Peter Siddle declared Australia's bowling attack the world's best no fewer than three times as the somewhat hung-over but deliriously happy Ashes victors set their sights on a Test match showdown in South Africa next month. A crowd of more than 4,000 converged on the Sydney Opera House overlooking the harbour to pay tribute to the Australian team, a number that might have been greater in a venue less cramped for space.

As some members of the team battled to regain voices lost over the course of two nights' raucous celebrations and Chris Rogers danced for the crowd after sleeping through the start of the event in the best traditions of Andrew Flintoff, Siddle spoke stridently about how the bowling ensemble was a match for any in the world. Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel will not be able to ignore Siddle's words.

"When we're bowling at our consistent best like we did throughout this series I think it shows [we are the best]," he said. "Everyone playing their role, Mitch bowling fast, Ryano and myself doing our role and Nath with the spin from his end. The consistency we've had against England over a five Test series, no-one's ever really done it as successfully as we have, to be able to do that and win so convincingly shows how strong we are at the moment.

"Just the way we've worked together at different times and break partnerships, I don't think we've let any partnership get too big on us, and we're able to break them and get stuck into the rest - that's what caused all the collapses, so that's what we're looking to do over there and if we continue to do that it could be a very good year for us.

"It's going to be a very tough contest over there, we're looking forward to it. Conditions are going to be similar to back home which is going to make it easier for us to adapt, but we're going to have to lift our game a bit more to get over them."

Asked repeatedly by an English correspondent if the attack was the best around the globe, Siddle could not have made his point clearer: "For the third time, yes. Did you get that? Good, okay, remember."

Siddle's fellow fast man Ryan Harris reiterated his own desire to push through a complete schedule of Tests in South Africa, revealing he had delayed knee clean-out surgery during the Ashes to make sure he could play in all five matches against England. Harris had long doubted his own capacity to stay fit for lengthy enough periods to do justice to his undoubted bowling talent, but to have played nine out of a possible 10 Ashes Tests had proved his durability at the unlikely age of 34.

"[Surgery] has got to be after South Africa now," Harris said. "I went to Melbourne after Perth and had a check with the surgeon. There are bits of bone floating around. We were thinking about doing it then and there and missing the rest of the series but I wanted to play five games. I wanted to be a part of it for the whole thing. Hopefully it can get through South Africa.

"The knee is no different now than it was a month or six weeks ago. You wake up sometimes in the morning and it's tough. You get out of bed and it's sore. But you either decide whether you want to go through the pain or you don't. It's as simple as that. And I want to be in this team as long as I can. I'll put up with it. If we win in South Africa we go to number one in the world, which is our goal. But more importantly we just want to make sure we keep winning."

As for Rogers, the chance to go to South Africa will prolong the most remarkable final chapter of a career that looked destined to remain unfulfilled for most of his journey. "I think if I'd have finished and not played international cricket I'd have been quite disappointed," he said from behind sunglasses. "To get this opportunity and play it well, I can finish cricket at some stage and think I've done everything, and that's great to do.

"I still didn't think people had seen the way I actually bat and I wanted to show that and fortunately I've been able to play a couple of good innings. I've always wondered what it'd be like to play international cricket and thought I was good enough but never got the opportunity, so it is nice now to get that chance.

"People talk about retirement, but what's the point of retiring? This is amazing and I haven't had this opportunity before, so I might as well enjoy it while it lasts."

Siddle is kidding himself! Let's face facts. Johnson scared the crap out of the English batsman which enabled the rest of the woeful Aussie attack to pick up cheap wickets. Johnson should be quite rightfully praised for his efforts. Sidldle and co. Keep working hard because you are not that special.

Richard
on January 9, 2014, 8:45 GMT

@NixNixon:- No worries mate, we will indubitably talk again when the series is under way.

@NixNixon:- I think anyone who hasn't got their head where the sun doesn't shine knows SA are a well deserved number 1. Get used to it mate, when you're on top people will find any reason to run you down, it's always been the case even when we Aussies were up there. As for the Ashes excitement, well we haven't won in a while and no one expected quite the result that we got, so I think that explains the hullaballoo over the series, such was the scale of the turnaround. I expect you guys will win the upcoming series but our guys should be able to make it interesting. I think our bowling is a match for SA's, but not our batting, that much seems pretty clear.

Nix
on January 8, 2014, 13:46 GMT

People all over the world have been saying SA is only the number one team because they have no challengers. Well here we have a challenger in Aus, they proclaim to be the world's best. As such, this will be an interesting contest. Looking at this series objectively I can see Aus giving us a run for our money, but I honestly don't think Aus have enough firepower to beat SA. If we beat them hopefully we get the recognition we deserve. Funny how SA has to perform consistently for years and still don't receive recognition, yet Aus play well in one series and the world falls at their feet in awe!

Peter
on January 8, 2014, 12:47 GMT

Back in town Aussies! and aren't the natives restless...

A
on January 8, 2014, 11:54 GMT

To all the South African fans, I would just like to point out in the same game that Australia were bowled out for 47, South Africa were also bowled out for 96. So yeah 47 is very bad but 96 isn't very good either.

Graham
on January 8, 2014, 11:47 GMT

So much fuss over some innocuous comments. Previously mcdermott and Clarke have made comments saying they have a lot of faith in themselves. Here Siddle is stirring the pot and it seems, a lot of people have taken the bite. Put it into context for the last 10 tests we have come up against an English unit containing 4 batsman that were averaging over 50 and a keeper averaging in the 40's. England were a well credentialed batting line up and not just in Australia but also England we have reduced there batsman normal output. I havent got the stats in front of me but in ten tests I dont believe England have gone over 300 in a first innings. There average would be closer to 200. The series has just been won and in the midst of celebrating it Siddle makes these claims, however there has not been one claim that we will go to SAf and win. The Aussies are confident but arrogant is way over the top. SAf fans rest easy your recent record is excellent and your a worthy number one.

Dummy4
on January 8, 2014, 11:19 GMT

I think there is more to this seemingly seemingly arrogant boast than meets the eye. By emphasizing the strength of our bowling it might help to make conditions a lot easier for our batsmen. The south African curators are no fools and remember the carnage Mitchell Johnson caused a couple of tours ago so it should be in the back of their mind that juicy bouncy wickets might hamper South Africa's batting as much as Australia's. I'm willing to give the benefit of the doubt to the Aussie team as well because they confidently talked themselves up before the Ashes but delivered even more emphatically than what they promised. There's no doubt that to have any chance of toppling South Africa; a team needs to show supreme confidence from the outset and with the combatitive atitutudes of this team I am confident that they will fight out every session!

Adolf
on January 8, 2014, 10:13 GMT

Calling yourselves the best attack in world cricket after winning one series is premature to say the least!!! Although i will concede the aussies bowled quite brilliantly during the last ashes. However these words will do no more than fire up Steyn and the South Africans, who ARE and have been the best pace attack in world cricket for the last couple of years. Just want the aussies to remember that sweet morning in Cape Town when we skittled you out for less than 50 runs, same pace attack just more experienced... Pasop!!!

James
on January 11, 2014, 4:17 GMT

Siddle is kidding himself! Let's face facts. Johnson scared the crap out of the English batsman which enabled the rest of the woeful Aussie attack to pick up cheap wickets. Johnson should be quite rightfully praised for his efforts. Sidldle and co. Keep working hard because you are not that special.

Richard
on January 9, 2014, 8:45 GMT

@NixNixon:- No worries mate, we will indubitably talk again when the series is under way.

@NixNixon:- I think anyone who hasn't got their head where the sun doesn't shine knows SA are a well deserved number 1. Get used to it mate, when you're on top people will find any reason to run you down, it's always been the case even when we Aussies were up there. As for the Ashes excitement, well we haven't won in a while and no one expected quite the result that we got, so I think that explains the hullaballoo over the series, such was the scale of the turnaround. I expect you guys will win the upcoming series but our guys should be able to make it interesting. I think our bowling is a match for SA's, but not our batting, that much seems pretty clear.

Nix
on January 8, 2014, 13:46 GMT

People all over the world have been saying SA is only the number one team because they have no challengers. Well here we have a challenger in Aus, they proclaim to be the world's best. As such, this will be an interesting contest. Looking at this series objectively I can see Aus giving us a run for our money, but I honestly don't think Aus have enough firepower to beat SA. If we beat them hopefully we get the recognition we deserve. Funny how SA has to perform consistently for years and still don't receive recognition, yet Aus play well in one series and the world falls at their feet in awe!

Peter
on January 8, 2014, 12:47 GMT

Back in town Aussies! and aren't the natives restless...

A
on January 8, 2014, 11:54 GMT

To all the South African fans, I would just like to point out in the same game that Australia were bowled out for 47, South Africa were also bowled out for 96. So yeah 47 is very bad but 96 isn't very good either.

Graham
on January 8, 2014, 11:47 GMT

So much fuss over some innocuous comments. Previously mcdermott and Clarke have made comments saying they have a lot of faith in themselves. Here Siddle is stirring the pot and it seems, a lot of people have taken the bite. Put it into context for the last 10 tests we have come up against an English unit containing 4 batsman that were averaging over 50 and a keeper averaging in the 40's. England were a well credentialed batting line up and not just in Australia but also England we have reduced there batsman normal output. I havent got the stats in front of me but in ten tests I dont believe England have gone over 300 in a first innings. There average would be closer to 200. The series has just been won and in the midst of celebrating it Siddle makes these claims, however there has not been one claim that we will go to SAf and win. The Aussies are confident but arrogant is way over the top. SAf fans rest easy your recent record is excellent and your a worthy number one.

Dummy4
on January 8, 2014, 11:19 GMT

I think there is more to this seemingly seemingly arrogant boast than meets the eye. By emphasizing the strength of our bowling it might help to make conditions a lot easier for our batsmen. The south African curators are no fools and remember the carnage Mitchell Johnson caused a couple of tours ago so it should be in the back of their mind that juicy bouncy wickets might hamper South Africa's batting as much as Australia's. I'm willing to give the benefit of the doubt to the Aussie team as well because they confidently talked themselves up before the Ashes but delivered even more emphatically than what they promised. There's no doubt that to have any chance of toppling South Africa; a team needs to show supreme confidence from the outset and with the combatitive atitutudes of this team I am confident that they will fight out every session!

Adolf
on January 8, 2014, 10:13 GMT

Calling yourselves the best attack in world cricket after winning one series is premature to say the least!!! Although i will concede the aussies bowled quite brilliantly during the last ashes. However these words will do no more than fire up Steyn and the South Africans, who ARE and have been the best pace attack in world cricket for the last couple of years. Just want the aussies to remember that sweet morning in Cape Town when we skittled you out for less than 50 runs, same pace attack just more experienced... Pasop!!!

Andrew
on January 8, 2014, 10:02 GMT

Cold Shower, you should take one. This attack on what it showed was very good, up there with the best. You are only as good as your last game. If you're a boxer & your last wins a knockout (cricket - a clean sweep) it doesn't really matter what went on before. This will be interesting, on Australia's showing in the Ashes they definitely have claims. Yes SA have been great & so were Aus from 1995-2007. It's called history & its being made all the time. Every time you play its up for grabs. To think this side will regress shows you don't understand what is going on. Any team can regress, but if you saw the Ashes I'd say very unlikely. As you said they were consistent & had a purple patch, maybe that contributed to the England performance with the bat. You can only play as well as the opposition let you. Changes in selection (i.e. rotation policy) & coaching have had a significant impact. What about Aus record in SA or Pattinson breaking down & gifting you a draw. Short memory, my friend

Eric
on January 8, 2014, 9:40 GMT

Listen, Australia is a decent side and we (SA) are not going to wipe the floor with them. That said, the way Australia is talking the big talk is hilarious, and frankly they better win or they will look like complete fools. I think the most dangerous thing in world cricket is Dale Steyn if he is angry, not only can get get up to 150 kph if he really wants to, but his late swing is just lethal. You would have thought that being bowled out for 47 in their last match at Cape Town, would have put the fear of God into them, or at the very least be a cause for some more respect... But roll on February so that we can see what is what.

Patrick
on January 8, 2014, 9:16 GMT

My countries better than yours at football so there @RednWhiteArmy? Wow maybe it's time for a soothing cup of tea and a lay down for a bit like Lungie. Good luck trying to avoid the stream of former Eng players writing about how arrogance and pomposity have contributed to Eng slide into oblivion, Swannie's a bit of an expert on the subject come to think of it. Some outrageous hypocrisy in those sour grapes your chewing.

Peter
on January 8, 2014, 8:56 GMT

Shame that some English supporters can not give credit to the excellent way the Aussies bowled in the recently-completed white wash. Never mind chaps - there is always next time

shyam
on January 8, 2014, 8:26 GMT

without a top class spinner ..no team can be named as best bowling attack ...
Australia used to dominate 90s just bcos whenever pitch become flat...warne used to exploit the pitch...
now if pitch becomes flat ..I bet these Australian attack will be clue less exactly the same way how steyn and co. struggled against india in s Africa...
even India leveled series against Australia in Australia its just bcos of anil kumble not bcos of pace attack...
and india not won test in s Africa in last tour not bcos of fast bowler just bcos of lack of good spinner...
same way if srilanka won any test mathc .then its an effort by murali not by any fast bowler...

only Pakistan got real balanced blowing attack now..unfortunately they have only club level batsman....that's y their bowler never get opportunity to show them selves...

Andy
on January 8, 2014, 8:21 GMT

Hilarious. A couple of months ago they were rubbish, 2013 was their annus horribilis, and now they're the best?

England capitulated embarrassingly and made Australia look good. Australia's bowling attack was for once consistent and injury free, and some key players hit a purple patch of form. This is essentially the same team that until this Ashes series was pretty ordinary. Many of them are near the end of their careers. The top order is brittle. How is this Dad's Army going to get them to number 1?

I think they would be better advised to hold back on explaining how impressed they are with themselves until they've completed the SA and Pakistan series. How long can Mitch maintain his consistency? What happens when they have to bowl lots of overs against resilient opposition?

Ratings don't lie - I expect to see Australia regress back to their average level in the next few months.

Lester
on January 8, 2014, 8:20 GMT

As a South African I love all this crowing by the Aus team declaring themselves the best in the world, it is a big motivator for SA. SA have actually been the best for a little while and you have never heard them declaring they are the best. Even if Aus are better they are a real arrogant bunch declaring it to the world after playing well in one series. You are only the best when others recognise you as the best not you and your own countrymen. I recently saw an Aus article stating Siddle a better bowler than Philander and Harris better than Styen. Those are big claims. I hope our team just keep quiet and answer any questions about who is the best on the cricket field. I would be highly embarrassed if our players behaved in this manner. The humble Amla/Tendulkar media demeanour sits far better with me. Be aggressive with the ball in hand.

David
on January 8, 2014, 8:09 GMT

As a South African, I readily admit that the Proteas have not a complete, well-rounded attack, lacking a reliable spinner that can attack, & choke off runs. This weakens them.

That said, they have been the MOST SUCCESSFUL attack in world cricket for seven years. Quietly over 25 series, SA have plugged away, losing not a single series away from home, & only 1 at home. It takes a superior attack to achieve that. No team has a record even close. Aus played 25 series in that period, & lost 8 including 2 at home to SA.

It's easy, based on a few games, to assume that a player, batting unit, bowling unit, or team, is suddenly red hot & "the best." The test of "the best" is not 1 series, but sustained success.

Aus are rightfully revitalised by their resurgence, but, proclaiming them "the best" is premature, hubristic, & downright insulting to those who earned the title by putting in the hard yards. One series wonders deserve not such accolades. If you want the title, earn it, the right way!

Steve
on January 8, 2014, 7:44 GMT

@Shongololo.....Yes mate, over time, when you set enough 400+ to win scores, eventually a couple of them will get chased down. I can only think of two in the last 20 years tho.

David
on January 8, 2014, 7:12 GMT

Thoughts on "the best attack."

2012: Eng beat WI at home, & media loudly proclaim Eng's the world's best attack, & Anderson better than Steyn. Forgotten was the whitewash by Pak, & draw vs SL. Enter the infamous "Welcome to Fortress England" article. It began "In the Test match age of pitch-it-up and swing, England are king." Eng, it said, had "an air of superiority over all those who visit ... Welcome to fortress England, where the bowlers suffocate…" & concluded "That mace is …safe... in the hands of the England captain..."

"That mace" was ripped from the Eng captain, who retired after SA crushed his team. Eng's vaunted attack, in test 1, took just 2 for 637. SA took 20.

Still, blind disrespect continues. Anderson is "the world's most skillful bowler." Aus beat Eng, so now they are "the best attack." The stats, the rankings, the bigger picture, is ignored.

Are SA's achievements just irrelevant? When dignity is sacrificed for cheap bragging, is THAT the Spirit of Cricket? Really?

Steve
on January 8, 2014, 6:49 GMT

@pommy80....are you serious? Your side got knighted in 2005 with more ticker tape parades than VE day, then went on to lose 5-0 in 06-07. This Aust team weren't meant to get anywhere near Eng let alone win 5-0!!!!

Paul
on January 8, 2014, 6:46 GMT

Thegimp...like the one at the WACA five or six years back???

Bruce
on January 8, 2014, 6:29 GMT

Talk about motivating the opposition..! When will guys like Warner and Siddle ever learn..? I'm sure their comments will be prominently displayed in the SA dressing room at Centurion in Feb. You could put up with McGrath & Warne "talking the talk" because you knew they could back it up.... but these two, with their test records...?! It's embarrassing....!

Daniel
on January 8, 2014, 6:18 GMT

The way the Aussie have acted after winning is like they've won the Fifa World Cup. Hopefully they will still be hungover in Feb so South Africa can bring them back to reality.

Steve
on January 8, 2014, 6:01 GMT

@diri.........I remember when Aust scored that 47, wasn't SA 9-40 odd as well before the last pair slogged up a few?

diren
on January 8, 2014, 5:40 GMT

This is the biggest joke ever!! Everyone knows that SA are the best attack in the world...the last time SA bowled you guys out for 46 lol...it will happen again in Feb....Steyn and co are waiting! here comes the pain

ad
on January 8, 2014, 5:24 GMT

"If we win in South Africa we go to number one in the world, which is our goal." There's a long long way to go even if you beat SAf 3-0, dude.

Steve
on January 8, 2014, 4:46 GMT

@bzzd......400 plus 4th innings against pop gun attacks.

Richard
on January 8, 2014, 4:38 GMT

@Aviral Ashok:- You need to work on your English comprehension. @llandl47 DID NOT say " lyon is d best spinner" as you claim, he said he's a "top-class spinner" and despite your bias he's right. He's NOT an Aussie, he's English, and he's one of the more perceptive and knowledgeable posters here on this site. In addition the '47' in his name should give you a clue that he's been watching the game for about 40 years longer that you've even been alive, given he's plainly 66-67 years old. Monty Panesar a better spinner than Lyon? If you had ANY credibility (you didn't) before then that claim settled it. No-one could possibly take your post seriously, not for a nanosecond.

Sello
on January 8, 2014, 4:31 GMT

This is bold and a bit premature from Siddle. This is exactly the difference between the South Africans and almost the rest of the cricketing world. As good as our bowlers and batsmen are, you won't find anyone running their mouth about how they think are better than the opposition and how good they are. This attack was the same attack that got whipped 3-zip in England without Johnson. So actually this attack depends on Johnson (and we're just counting the days before he goes wayward again), Siddle is no match winner and is the last person I expected to dish out statements like these to the media. Harris can break down anytime soon as the typical Harris always does. Unlike the Aussies, our attack has destroyed batting line-up worldwide without a decent spinner and that's just shows how fantastic the Protea pace trio are. Sorry Sids, five matches at home doesn't make an attack the best in the world. I've watched the likes of Amla and AB for a long time and something that makes them stand out from almost all batsmen is their ability to hit 'good balls' for boundaries and their calm composure. Besides our method of playing cricket is way too different from the poms with their 'going nowhere slowly' attitude towards batting. If this attack is to be termed the best in the world, they'll have to string performances twice as better than our attack consistently for a period of more than 2 years

Steve
on January 8, 2014, 4:19 GMT

@mazdonal.... different attack mate, no Johnson, no Harris (so you are half right) and as I remember, Johnson had the Indians jumping out of their collective skins in the one dayers recently. Lyon suffered the same fate as Indian batsmen do when touring, he had to learn how to bowl on Indian pitches against the best players of spin in the book. Just as Indian Batsmen struggle when they are not playing on the sub cont.

buz
on January 8, 2014, 3:45 GMT

One more detail I forgot - I don't think any side is going to be setting SA targets of 400 runs and being convinced they will win. SA batting keeps churning out big 4th inning scores.

buz
on January 8, 2014, 3:42 GMT

Australia cream a sub par English side and all of a sudden they think they are #1. Give me a break. Only after they have played SA in SA will we have any idea if they have what it takes. I would rate Steyn and Philander as better than any of the Australian bowlers. Harris is the best of the Oz bowlers and can he keep it going? Lyon is better than any SA spinner. Batting wise SA has all the cards.

Sanjay
on January 8, 2014, 3:31 GMT

A bit premature to make the claim being the best bowling attack. Ryan Harris has a head on him and takes the measured response in dealing with this. Best bowling attacks go and take wickets everywhere, This attack is yet to. In saying that apart from Steyn, Morkel and Philander are yet to perform on the sub continent. In their defence, they are not mouthing off about being the best attack in the world. Siddle will have to work his way up the ladder, a one series win at home despite how convincing it was does not provide the foundation to lay claim on being the best bowling attack in the world.

Android
on January 8, 2014, 3:18 GMT

if aussies are saying they are world's best......in there own backyard i fully agree with them,, but i think combination of steyn , morkel and philander is better than them ..... ofcourse they didnt perform that well against india as all hoped, only because indian batsmen played with some intent, but i still think philander and steyn have better chances of pucking wickets on subcontinent pitches then johnson and harris.....as far as lyon is concerened he is no match to Ajmal ......i dont think any spinner is match to Ajmal at the moment .....i would rate aussies 3rd or even 4th best as overall attack.... for me southafrica is no 1 pakistan can be no 2 and ausssies and england can be tied ... depending upon england last visit to india..... india won 4-0 last series blanked aussies under 3 days in 2 matches they didnt say they are wotld' best ... because they are not... mind ashwim jadega and pragyan are very threatning on indian pitches may be better than aussies in australia

Steve
on January 8, 2014, 2:30 GMT

@Greatest_Game ......someone needs a hug!!!

David
on January 8, 2014, 1:36 GMT

Australia may well have the best pace attack but we won't definitively find out in South Africa because the Saffers will be bowling at an significantly inferior batting lineup than what the Australians will be bowling at.

If Australia wins the series there will be no doubt who the better attack is.

Also - anyone criticising the Australians by saying all they had was one good series clearly didn't watch this series in its entirety. If you watched every day of all 5 test matches you would see what Siddle is talking about and to think otherwise is naïve and shows a lack of cricketing knowledge.

I've seen decades of cricket and I've never seen anything close to the sustained intensity and relentlessness of that pace attack combined.

Garolian
on January 8, 2014, 1:32 GMT

That is a tall claim from Siddle. Remember everything ip relative. This same attack was "hammered" in India in all forms of the game on the way to a complete drubbing.. It was agonizing to watch Poor Nathan Lyon after getting his lambastings. The fast bowlers were not much better. A little humility is in order.

Tim
on January 8, 2014, 1:01 GMT

To the people who attribute the recent Ashes to english batting failures rather than brilliant bowling, the bowlers must have caught the great batsmen (all averaging over 45) on their bad days - 10 consecutive times! What luck!

Sam`
on January 8, 2014, 1:00 GMT

@Rodney Daniels. Can you please point out to me the last time South Africa lost from an advantageous position.

Having lost just two tests in the last three years, one in Pakistan where everyone else loses anyway and one thanks to a brilliant performance from Thilan Samaraweera, and neither of them from a winning position, I assume you're just pulling rubbish out of your backside.

I highly doubt that a team who has lost one series in seven years can be termed guilty of being chokers.

As opposed to say, bowling a team out for 90 and then losing? (Australia)
Setting a team 400 and then losing? (Australia)
Chasing 200-odd against New Zealand and losing 7-nothing? (Australia)

Oh yeah, South Africa are definitely the ones who need reminding of their fragility.

Patrick
on January 8, 2014, 0:58 GMT

@Australia_R_up_themselves, why exaggerate when the quotes are clearly published, NO Australian player has said anything of the sort and on Adelaide, to miss out on a win by 2 wickets with plenty of runs up and a strike bowler injured is no shame at all against SA, you really are desperately clutching at straws. You may be right about one thing though, that Morne is a backup bowler, Patto on the other hand is a frontline strike bowler, checkout his superior average and strike rate some time. What a real shame for you the handles @sour_grapes and @sooky-la-la must have already been taken!

Tim
on January 8, 2014, 0:57 GMT

On current form, the Aussie attack is the best in the world by a long way.
It is going to be so sweet when they smash the Proteas in Feburary. Just like the English fans based their opinion on the Australian bowlers two or three years ago, this series will surprise the Sth Africans if they are not careful.
To think we will regain the No. 1 ranking with our "mediocre" batting attack and "overrated" bowling attack, I am going to enjoy this. The Aussies worst team of the last 30 years is matching and defeating the other nations' best generations ever (England, SA and India)! Cricket is just too easy for the Aussies.

Dale
on January 8, 2014, 0:57 GMT

@Greatest_Game I think you're confusing attack, with team.

Comparing team results as some kind of proof that the SA attack is better is absurd. Australia lost in England because of poor batting. The Aussie attack had no trouble taking 20 wickets and didn't let England score over 400 once in the entire series. The batting was the reason for the 3-0 scoreline. Then the same attack completely and utterly dismantled England with 6 under 200 scores and only 2 300+ scores.

South Africa are a better test team no doubt. With guys like Amla, DeVilliers, Smith, Du Plessis they have a definitive edge in batting prowess. But the attacks match up very closely and for me we have the edge in that we still have Watson while Kallis is gone now and Lyon is a much better spinner than Tahir or Peterson. Johnson Harris Siddle match up pretty evenly with Steyn, Philander and Morkel

Newlands, Cape Town, has always been a pitch that offers plenty for spinners, but only after the spring. Cape Town has a winter rainfall, & the Newlands area has SA's highest annual rainfall. In the spring the ground is saturated, & the wicket green. But, with no summer rainfall & the hot, dry "berg' wind that blows all December, the ground dries out quickly, and naturally takes spin. It always has.

SA, and particularly Cape Town, are not a "spinner's nightmare." To say so is a blatant untruth.

In 2001 Wisden published the 'Wisden 100," their choice of the top 100 batting and bowling performances in the history of test cricket. Agree with them or not, it is notable that the performance they chose as the TOP Bowling Performance was by a South African Spinner, in South Africa. That hardly seems the stuff of a "spinner's nightmare."

Stop spouting untrue myths. Learn cricket's history. Have respect.

Sean
on January 8, 2014, 0:22 GMT

This is why australia need to be beaten, badly, just like they are in football. 1 series win and the smug arrogance comes flowing out.

A
on January 8, 2014, 0:21 GMT

It's amazing how everyone is saying that Australia can't win outside of home. Sure they had a very rough patch away against India (0-4) and England (0-3) where there was very uncompetitive cricket, mainly against India on rank turners, as well as some very competitive cricket against England on more doctored pitches. If you look back a couple of seasons you will find that Australia did beat Sri Lanka away, Drew with South Africa and beat the West Indies away too. A lot of the current team were part of their tours so to say they can't win from home is rubbish. Australia also has a very good record in South Africa too, in fact SA haven't won a home series against Australia since well before the apartheid. No wonder so many insecure South African supporters are commenting, they have a lot to fear with a flawed yet aggressive Australian team on the rise and heading to SA.

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 23:35 GMT

I don't want to rain on the Aussie bowling parade; its a decent attack but its
certainly NOT test crickets current finest. The South Africans (and now even
without Kallis) have been, still are, and will remain the worlds best after next
months series. They are the No1 ranked side for a reason so while Johnson can
in the right conditions be very slippery; Steyn quite simply is consistently better
and faster especially in his own backyard. Harris based on recent
performances/stats isn't the No.1 test bowler... Philander is!!...and Siddle's
pace is positively pedestrain in comparison to Morkel. Aus don't even have a
significant advantage with Watson as the 4th seamer because he just isn't fit
(or good?) enough to be relied upon to fulfill that role effectively in the way
Kallis was? Yes SAs attack may not now have the same depth and strength but
its still quicker, more penetrative, and more threatening. The only edge OZ
possess is Lyon and
h

Patrick
on January 7, 2014, 23:32 GMT

@Greatest_Game, letting your emotions get the better of you buddy, read the article again "at our consistent best like we did this series" if you want to build a counter argument you may want to at least try and stay on topic. Let me help break it down for you, tests are won with batting bowling & fielding and today's topic is current bowlers in their current form.

SA were unable to contain Eng in the sustained manner Aust has over 10 consecutive tests, that's a fact jack, not disputing the result per prev paragraph. RE Adelaide, Patto broke down and couldn't bowl a ball whilst Sidds took 4/65 on a dead track, outbowling all, your point about bowling was?

SA attack is strong when firing and has been consistent over time but didn't look to be firing consistently against India and those Bris figures show fallibility. With all due respect to SA, Sidds is entitled and has solid basis for feeling his team are bowling better, Alistair Cook agrees and he's seen plenty of both.

P
on January 7, 2014, 22:29 GMT

Australian pace attack was the best all the time. For some reason, people thought it was SA because their bowlers occupied top rankings. Aussies have been winning matches in about 4 days or less. No attack comes close to that yet. However, in recent times, home game performances should be disregarded because a lot of teams are very hard to beat at home regardless of their rankings.

Nathan
on January 7, 2014, 22:21 GMT

@perl57 - a low importance test series?

I think it's common knowledge that the ashes is the most important test series in world cricket. What planet do you live on?

Anyway we'll know how they stack up in a little over a month, I'm confident they will at least match the SA attack, the top order batting I'm less confident with.

Dave
on January 7, 2014, 22:19 GMT

@EricVD.... we'll have another go, since the thought police seem to have deleted my last effort. Again...

"No, there is a difference between making a confident statement like "I believe our attack has come a long way and are now ready to challenge for #1 spot and I believe we can better SA" and pure arrogance like "We are the best attack in the world", while sitting 26 points behind SA."

Yeah. Exactly. And that difference is the same as that between a press conference that everyones yawning their way through and checking their watches and one where you attract a couple of hundred comments, and your series is currently the most talked about one in cricketing circles.

Marketing machine: mission accomplished.

Arrogant? Probably. Is that such a bad thing in a fast bowler? I'd suggest not. I don't see in that article that he insults or attacks players from any other country (though I will say a lot of commenters seem pretty offended on their behalf). So not a lot of harm there.

Hey
on January 7, 2014, 21:47 GMT

It doesn't matter if Irfan isn't as fast as Johnson since Irfans height troubles everyone, even when he's not bowling to his best....Fact his, after steyn, philander and harris, Irfan and Junaid are the next, they're the best in LOis and are becoming world class in tests too.
Junaids talent is swinging both ways and he does it on dead pitches which Siddle can't. Same with Irfan with his bounce. Also add Ajmal who's on the same level as steyn in damage[he's better in Limited overs but steyn has him in tests] and Rehman which makes the second strongest bowling attack in Tests and first in ODis and T20is. Siddle mate, you're best out of Aus is 4 wickets whilst Ajmal has a 10fer in Cape Town, nuff said

mahjut
on January 7, 2014, 21:41 GMT

oh Rodney Daniels ... SA probably have the least chokes per test match than any other test playing nation and most people who comment here have reasonable cricket knowledge despite being knee-jerk, which is why noone has mentioned choking - it's a minor surprise that one would be happy to show their ignorance by mentioning it ... but a good message board takes all sorts I guess). ICC tourneys are another matter but winning a WC over a month is not quite holding the test mace for X consecutive months - or not losing a series in 5 years

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 21:35 GMT

LOL!! Siddle get a grip young man, you just won one series at home against a side that has had way too much cricket up their sleeves. The best attack, kidding me? Lyon would be discarded as a part-timer in Pakistan or India. Siddle is the only quality bowler in their attack, Johnson well is too erratic and Harris breaks down too easy.

Varun
on January 7, 2014, 20:58 GMT

Perhaps Peter Siddle was exaggerating, but his remarks have led to a very interesting debate on who really is the best attack. SA definitely have the edge over Aus in pace, as they have a legend in Steyn, a phenomenal bowler in Philander and an excellent third seamer in Morkel, who would be a spearhead in other attack in the world. Harris is fantastic, Johnson can be devastating on his day and Siddle is always solid, but except for this one series, they haven't proved their mettle. The SA attack has been together for a long time and has performed well everywhere. Pak has the best spin attack with Ajmal and Rehman, but SA still has the best attack overall.

Scott
on January 7, 2014, 20:51 GMT

@landl47, I concur. Australia has a better attack, but SA has the best pace attack in the world. I don't think a series against each other will prove either way which is the best attack as the Aus batting line up is a load more fragile than SAs. If Aus wish to prove they're the best attack, they'll need to do well in SA, then in UAE and elsewhere further into the future. Until then, this is all just hype. To be honest, I strongly disapprove of these types of statements from the Aus players and even more so despise the sort of over the top celebrations seen in Aus today. I'm happy for the team, happy for the nation, etc., that we won a sporting competition - but don't feel the need for this...It's the exact sort of thing we mocked the English for in 05. Not sure who organised it, but I wish they hadn't. It's way OTT...

Tim
on January 7, 2014, 20:42 GMT

@mukesh if you're referring to the last time Aus played SA, then I believe the score was 1-0 to the Proteas. Aus battered SA for the best part of 7 or 8 days over the 1s two tests but could not get over the line. In doing so they (Siddle included) punched themselves out and were put to the sword in the final match. This forthcoming series between these teams will be a cracker, too close to call.

Android
on January 7, 2014, 20:41 GMT

@lland47 lyon is d best spinner!!!! wow!!! gt8 to hear that dey r still in so dilemma!! well, if such is d case den god save kangaroos for if SA don't have a spinner, Aus is like ' we have none' .lyon's inconsistency and unable to hold d run rate is very evident !! I wud rate him not higher than India's piyush chawla who although is a good one but is smetimes lucky to get wickets just like lyon!!! phew!!! At present, with swann gone, i wud rate these high- Ajmal, jadeja,Ashwin, ojha, monty, and then chawla wid lyon!!! so all d best in SA. lets see if u cud hold rr let alone wickets !!

Mahipal
on January 7, 2014, 20:40 GMT

Great effort by Aussies at home to dominant in such a manner. To be fair and know the real truth, would suggest to come out of the den and have 1 test at each venue (Lords, Mumbai, anywhere in SA) or might be very near to you in NZ. Real show of character would be tested in overseas conditions only and that shows SA are on top!!!

Peter
on January 7, 2014, 20:31 GMT

@landl47. Pretty good summary. And you haven't touched on the back-up quality of bowlers who are potentially not only equal but may improve on the current squad. Just wish we had the same batting depth.

Tim
on January 7, 2014, 20:27 GMT

Siddle fell int the classic interviewers trap and gave them their headline. 3 times evidently. Does he think Steyn, Philander and Morkel need any extra motivation? Congrats to Aus on their clean sweep. Looks like Glenn McGrath predicted correctly again! But I cannot agree with Siddle's bit of self promotion. Johnson still has to do some to disprove his fragility on tour. Harris is always one trip to the buffet away from an injury (my type of cricketer!). Siddle is honest if uninspiring. Lyon you just cannot get excited by. Time will tell, recent series' between these sides has provided amazing cricket and true quality.

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 20:25 GMT

To be honest I don't believe any of the Aussie bowlers are good enough to make it into the South African attack. I'd take Philander, Steyn, and Morkel over Harris, Johnson, and Siddle. Not one of those guys are in the league of Glen McGrath or other greats. They talk about consistency, they play one series against England and now suddenly they are consistent? What about the previous 3 series'? Kallis as a bowler is a loss for SA, but he hasn't bowled a lot for years. Mostly been called on when someone got injured or to give our top bowlers a bit of a break. I hope the Proteas wreak havoc on the Aussie batsmen, and that we see 48 all out again so the arrogant Aussies have to hang their heads in shame.

Mashuq
on January 7, 2014, 20:22 GMT

@Haz95 on (January 7, 2014, 18:00 GMT), I live in Cape Town and can assure you that it is decidedly NOT a spinner's nightmare. On the contary, it has always assisted spin and in the game to which you refer Peterson, too, got a few wickets. Just because Aus was bowled out for 47 and SAF for 96 people assume it is a seam bowler's dream. That game was played early in November before the hot dry summer days bake the track. I expect the March track to be similar to the usual New Year tracks: some swing, but progressive turn as the track wears. If Lyon brings his A game, he got play a crucial role.

Really !!! the best attack, right after one series Just one series of good bowling in their own country makes them the best attack then so are the New Zealand bowlers the best in world, ashwin and ojha the best spin bowlers, saeed and co the best in world, steyn n co the best , everyone would be best as per this new definition. they need to prove themselves a few series even before saying they are the best. Right now looks like Harris might drop out anytime with his surgery and we know how erratic johnson can be.

Jay
on January 7, 2014, 19:44 GMT

The Aussies getting a little bit out of control there. No doubt 5-0 is a massive drubbing but it's easy to defeat a team that had one player leave because of stress, another retire in the middle and those playing looking like club cricketers. No doubt the Aussie bowlers were responsible for all these little successes against individual players but how will they react when, say, a fired up Steyn is on his way to a 5-for or a du-Plessis refusing to give his wicket away or an AB taking the game away from them or an Amla playing his usual self?

Funny to see people bringing in the choking and that SA have no spinner. Despite these two, SA have lost just one test series since 2006! That's 8 years! I would advise the people to get real. Aus can beat SA, of that there is no doubt, but to say SA will choke or they don't have a spinner is ridiculous. They have the top two bowlers in the world, they have the top two batsmen in the world, and you want them to worry about a spinner?

John
on January 7, 2014, 18:16 GMT

It's hard to argue with that in their current form. The big differences between this attack and the attack of a year ago is that Johnson is bowling faster and with more menace than anyone in the world at the moment (Steyn may be a better bowler all round, but he's not anywhere near as fast) and Lyon has developed into a top-class spinner. Any spinner who can take 19 wickets at under 30 in a series in Australia, even against a fragile England side, has shown real class.

To those saying that Pakistan's attack is better, Irfan isn't as fast as Johnson, Junaid isn't as accurate as Harris or Siddle, there is no quality 3rd seamer let alone a 4th like Watson and Ajmal is only average on any track other than a dust-bowl. SA has a great seam attack but doesn't have a quality spinner or, now that Kallis has retired, a 4th seamer.. Of course we'll see in a couple of months which side has the better attack of those two.

It might not last long, given their ages, but for now, it's Australia.

Hey
on January 7, 2014, 18:00 GMT

For that guy on Ajmal not greentops. Ajmal has taken a 10fer in Cape Town, SA-a spinners nightmare. Had Ajmal played longer, he'd be up there with warne, murali, saqlain easily.

David
on January 7, 2014, 17:55 GMT

@ pat_one_back writes "Many here conveniently ignoring that SA's attack was nowhere near as effective against these same English batsmen as recently as 2012." Rubbish! Apples to Apples: SA WON IN ENG, & did NOT LOSE a single match.. AUS LOST IN ENG, & did NOT WIN a single match. How on earth was SA's attack LESS effective?

You go on: "Sidds completely out bowled them (Steyn & Philander), (in Brisbane) then again in Adelaide." BUT, Aus couldn't WIN a match, & LOST the series. SA's attack WON the decisive match, & the series. In Adelaide Sidds & co could not take 20 wickets. Why not, if they "the best."

Since mid Dec 2006, SA played 25 series, won 17, & lost 1. Same period, Aus played 25 series, won 14, but LOST 8. In matches, SA's W/L ratio is 2.71 to Aus' 1.6.

Since Sept 2010, SA's W/L is 3.75. Aus' is 1.2. SA went uphill, Aus downhill. Taking the long view, Aus' attack has been weak: how does 1 series change that? Does 1 success wipe out years of poor performance?

Get real

mukesh
on January 7, 2014, 16:58 GMT

Of course they are better than SA attack who don't even have a spinner of any worth , if Aussies fragile top order can somehow hang in there and put up some runs on the board its advantage Australia , chris rogers , clarke and haddin will have to play at their best , last time only clarke fired and in those tests SA were pushed to the limit and escaped somehow with a draw.

David
on January 7, 2014, 16:41 GMT

It's a good attack, but not in the same class as either:

Steyn-Philander-Morkel-Peterson, or even

Junaid-Amir-Irfan-Ajmal (which is now only 18 months away)

Sadip
on January 7, 2014, 16:24 GMT

these days, each team are playing good cricket only in their home grounds.... the cricket world is changing...

Prashant
on January 7, 2014, 16:21 GMT

Of course. Get bashed and bruised series after series and then win one at home against an out-of-form side and then declare yourself world champions. Sounds about right.

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 16:15 GMT

For a bowling attack to be termed as best, it needs to excel in all the bowling departments which mainly comprises of bowlers who can bowl really fast (impart fear in the batsmen), bowlers who can swing the ball and be consistent with their lines & lengths ( play with the patience of batsmen) and last but not the least have good spinners. While Australia can boast of a good fast bowling attack, they can't yet claim to have the best bowling attack in the world as they still lack the bowlers who can bowl on dust bowls or pitches with slightly less help for faster men. Same goes for SA. I think Pakistan is one team which has bowlers for all conditions (Irfan with pace and bounce, Junaid who can swing at pace, Ajmal who can be as menacing as any fast bowler but on turning tracks). England is another team who had an excellent bowling attack a few seasons back but not any more.

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 16:05 GMT

Well there is also the SA team choke factor. Surprised no one has bought up the fact that SA manages to successfully lose from advantageous positions. The Aussies won't forget this and will keep piling on the pressure!

anil
on January 7, 2014, 15:50 GMT

Typical knee jerk reaction from Oz fans and cricketers. It is surprising to see when India won the T20 WC IN 2007 and a nation stood in front of them, Oz were dismissive of the fact that Indians should not get such ovation. Now when they win a small low importance test series, they behave as though they won a world war. Everything would come crashing down in SA Series if this self proclaimed best bowling attack fails.

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 15:36 GMT

Peter Siddle could be right,perhaps not.One things for certain,he is very fortunate to be bowling behind Harris and Johnson.If the Aussies are the best attack,most definitely Siddle is not the best bowler.
Lets not forget this is not a young attack...Watson,Harris and Johnson are on the wrong side of 30 and injury prone.
How S.A try to fill the Kallis berth will be pivotal ...so many options...do they leave Robbie P out and replace him with Mclaren or Parnell with Duminy doing spinning duties?? Dean Elgar in?Does Duminy even deserve a test spot? Can Morne Morkel step up and fulfil that "intimidating destroyer" role so man have expected of him?

Richard
on January 7, 2014, 15:31 GMT

@Aus_R_Up_Themselves:- "unless they can string a couple of test wins together they will be remembered for the team that can not win abroad". Hardly alone at the moment on that score, are Australia? Highly unlikely they'll be remembered as the team that can't win abroad when almost no team can. Isn't it far more likely that it will be forgotten since there's nothing remarkable about it? I think your choice of name gives just a wee hint that you're more interested in grinding an axe than posting balanced views, don't you think? Hardly subtle. Historically of course Australia is THE ONLY team that has won more tests abroad than they've lost so we can lose overseas for a while and still be the most successful touring country in the game's history overall by quite a margin, a record others can only look at with jealous envy. If we're not the best ATM it's no big deal, the records show we almost always are, and I can live with that.

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 15:28 GMT

I wish that I didn't have to keep stopping the video interview of the cretin Warner when I reload this page. That guy represents everything about Australian cricket that people hate.

avid
on January 7, 2014, 15:14 GMT

comparing head to head.. siddle has a point... johnson has a better economy rate and no of wickets recently when compared to steyn [who is on a downhill curve now] .. harris is anyday better than philander who is just a one track bully who will be soon found out.. morkel vs siddle will be slightly tough..but siddle will win for his spirit and consistency.. morkel has a tendency to fall on his feet and get injured.. .and comparing spin .. the sa spinner..dont even recall his name.. lyon is better than him.. so all in all our aussie attack is the best in the world and this is not an empty statement

Calvin
on January 7, 2014, 14:51 GMT

Steyn, Philander & Morkel have been taking 20 wickets per game consistently going on 3yrs. Steyn only recently relinquished the no.1 spot to Vernie, having been on top since 2009 - almost 4yrs running. One of the best strike rates, sublime averages over the last few years between Vern & Steyn. Look, I can go on and on and on. Some bowlers out there gets euphoric and emotional and indeed deliver one-off sublime performances, but very few dominates for a prolonged period.

Not discounting the other 2 horsemen of the apocalypse (Philander & Morkel).

The allied forces of the West during the 02nd WW would only needed to have send Dale Steyn, and he alone would have sacked Berlin, Tokyo, Hiroshima, Rome and all the allies of the 03rd Reich. Fact.

des
on January 7, 2014, 14:33 GMT

Good to see the Aussies on here cherry-picking individual tests to 'prove' that the SA attack is not very dangerous. I guess I should do the same and point out the last time SA faced Aus they lashed Johnson and Starc around the WACA, going at over 7 an over for an entire session? Oh wait, I forgot that doesn't count as Siddle and Hilf were 'rested'!

As for the argument that Steyn is 'too old', given he is two years younger than Johnson and 4 younger than Harris I can only applaud the genius behind this.

Both attacks are good, but I'm surprised to see so much big talk from the Aussies after only one series. Could be a low-scoring affair if there is any life in the pitches, although the pitches for the India tour were so unusually flat I'm not sure what to expect really.

Richard
on January 7, 2014, 14:31 GMT

@Macker60:- "I think a lot of are missing the Point." That's pretty standard for comments on this site. At least 90% of the comments are driven by knee jerk emotional urges and not any clarity of thought or insight. Still think you guys will win due to some silly top order collapse or two by us but our bowling is pretty good atm and might make things interesting.

J
on January 7, 2014, 14:28 GMT

This is normal practice for Aus cricketers to blow their own trumpets and declare themselves the kings of the cricketing world after beating an average opposition team at home. Boy have we not seen that before. As they demonstrated last year, they can not play away from home and unless they can string a couple of test wins together they will be remembered for the team that can not win abroad. All we have to do is wait for them to proof themselves wrong in the next 12 months.
@pat_one_back. Re the Adelaide test: 1. Morkel (SA back up bowler) took more wickets (8) than Siddle. 2. Philander did non play in Adelaide. 3. If you gave the Aussie attack (aka Siddle) another full day they would not have been able to bowl SA out.

Corne
on January 7, 2014, 13:53 GMT

It is good that Siddle talks them up a month before the start of the SA series, it gives Steyn and co enough time to work through the process of preparing to prove siddle wrong.

Gordon
on January 7, 2014, 13:50 GMT

I can't believe what I am reading on here people are still saying South Africa has no fast bowling stock.
Come on please stop saying things that are not true.
Kyle Abbott and Marchant de Lange would not agree with you and these are just a few.
Beuran Hendricks is another.

Mark
on January 7, 2014, 13:32 GMT

I think a lot of are missing the Point. This Bowling Attack Is Very Good BUT their Discipline approach to the Game at this time makes them Best In the World, They dismantle a strong batting Line and made them look very ordinary Over 9 tests. Before You Right them off Remember Three of Australia Fastest Bowlers did Not Play One Will be Added to the Team to Tout SA. Oh and By the Way we Need to remember that Johnston is a Lefty with Late Swing, With one of the Most dangerous Bouncer seen in Test cricket in the Last 6 Years, The very Type of Bowler the SA Batsmen Struggle to get away. And finally the have the Agro back, Now We need our Batsman to get it right,

ADARSH
on January 7, 2014, 13:26 GMT

HEY, SIDDLE... if u want to say, u can say that the current bowling attack is the best of Australia. NOT THE WORLD. ONLY IN AUSTRALIA. STop Bragging plzzz !!! It was somewhat same said by Cook and Co after AShes victory in England and see wat has happnd..!
so Aussies, and ur pace attack... u still have a long time to prove that ur attack is the best in the world... dont think that there r no bowlers outside Australia too !!!!

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 13:21 GMT

@tanmaymore87 , wise words my friend..wise words.

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 13:20 GMT

One outstanding series against a shot and crumbling Eng side in your own back yard does not make you the best attack in the world.

ADARSH
on January 7, 2014, 13:19 GMT

Started!!!! Soon after a good series,team mates started to boast about their team strength!!!!! How Siddle can say that its bowling attack is the best at this point. This attack has only played against England in their home soil itself.
Never,a series can never reveal its bowling strength. Its just that they were consistent and performed better than England. No arguments of how Jhonson performed and it was one of the best performance. YES, "ONE OF THE BEST".NOT BEST EVER!!!
This team attack has to consistently perform well against teams like SouthAfrica, India in India, Srilanka in Srilanka to prove that they are the best!!!!

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 13:16 GMT

If Australia go to South Africa and give their batsmen the same or similar trouble as England experienced then England may breathe a little easier knowing they were outplayed by a better team and questions about player performance will be less strident. If however the South Africans deal with the Australian attack with relative ease it will make England's performance look all the more woeful.

Cameron
on January 7, 2014, 13:15 GMT

He is being modest, what he should have said is that they are the best attack in the world by miles and miles, that they are peerless. Did anyone just see the demo job they did on England 5 test matches in a row? England barely got a bad ball in 5 tests, it was sublime. Of course they are the form attack in the world at the moment.

Patrick
on January 7, 2014, 13:11 GMT

Many here conveniently ignoring that SA's attack was nowhere near as effective against these same English batsmen as recently as 2012. Steyn & Philander are not immune to form slumps either as they demonstrated with they're combined 1/230 on the Gaba last summer. Sidds completely out bowled them, then again in Adelaide. With the loss of Kallis and the search for a quality spinner ongoing, Aust have strong claim as the better overall attack.

sam
on January 7, 2014, 13:11 GMT

I expect proteas to be out for 250...but I expect aussies to be out for 175.

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 13:08 GMT

Whatever calms you Siddle... just remember who has been dominating the batting, bowling and test team rankings for the last few years...

subhasish
on January 7, 2014, 13:04 GMT

Yes best bowling attack in the world Australia be coz they got Lyon as a spiner I don't think s.a got test class spiner and also their is no depth in their fast bowing stock if styne is out s.a will will lose 80% off their bowling attack.

Tanmay
on January 7, 2014, 12:55 GMT

So who has the best bowling attack of all test teams...The Proteas fans think it is South Africa, The Pakistanis think their attack can pick wickets on roads while the Aussies feel that they have the best bowling attack...personally being an Indian fan whose team doesn't possess a good attack, i feel most of teams bowlers perform only on their home soil & are found wanting when they play overseas...as Steyn-Morkel & Philander were thrashed in Australia in 2012...Pakistani attack was not up to the mark in South Africa last year & Australia struggled in India & England...England as always are only good at home...

Eric
on January 7, 2014, 12:50 GMT

@ Posted by on (January 7, 2014, 11:06 GMT) "One team is desperate to keep up their fortunately earned No.1 spot "... You must be joking... "Fortunate" no #1... You are embarrassing the Aussies now, there is nothing fortunate about dominating Test Cricket for three years now...

@ Bonehead_maz. "Also forgotten here is Steyn is well past his best by date." Are you kidding me? He is right in the middle of his prime and is one of the best bowlers in decades, his stats prove that. And by the way, he is 2 years younger than Mitchell Johnson, so who is past their best by date??

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 12:49 GMT

Siddle is getting carried away ..same arrogancy was shown by England , few
months ago and look what happened ! South Africa are a great time !
Siddle should actually go and look at current ICC Rankings !!

Stark
on January 7, 2014, 12:48 GMT

Both teams have club level spinners, although Peterson seems to be above all the spinners currently, across both countries!!

He can do his job really well (containing), which puts pressure on the opposition because they have to attack someone and that someone, has to be the spinner but if they cannot, then they try to drive the seamers for four and get out.

That is why, Eng had the best attack because of Swann but SA has the best pace department, Pak have the best spin attack, whilst the Aussies are second to SA in pace and India has the second best spin attack.

X
on January 7, 2014, 12:46 GMT

Somewhere, Dale Steyn is listening. And he is interested.

anagh
on January 7, 2014, 12:45 GMT

The real battle in South Africa will be between Oz batsmen and SA bowlers. For the Oz bowlers to have a chance, the batsmen will have to put up bigger scores. There is no doubt about the quality of this Aussie bowling attack. With SA just losing Kallis and not yet settled on a team combination, I fancy Australia's chances. Only worry is about some of their fitness.

Peter
on January 7, 2014, 12:43 GMT

Great to see a member of a top quality sporting team have the confidence to state where they stand. Well said Mr Siddle.

The other teams should take a leaf out of his book and stop playing down themselves all the time - you guys are not that bad - have some more confidence in your own ability and do not be scared to say it publicly.

Just look what confidence does to your performance on the field - 5 -zip!

Richard
on January 7, 2014, 12:41 GMT

Oh Siddle, that quote will come back to haunt you. Probably when you are being peppered by Steyn with Aus on 90-8 in February. And they call England arrogant!

Nick
on January 7, 2014, 12:40 GMT

Can we please dispense with the hubris please? The first tests we've won all year and we're the best attack in the world. Yeah right

Peter
on January 7, 2014, 12:38 GMT

Johnson took 37 wickets at 14 against a solid batting line up and the pitches were not doctored.

One of the few genuinely great bowling performances of all time.

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 12:37 GMT

The Aussie pace attack has been fantastic for a long period. The problem is that they have not had good targets to bowl with. Trying to bowl well when you come in defending <200 is difficult, or when you go in with a 200 run deficit for the second innings. If the batsman can perform in South Africa, you watch the bowlers tear through the Proteas.

siddharth
on January 7, 2014, 12:33 GMT

It's quite funny in Siddle pointing out that their's is the world's best attack when he has underperformed throughout the series and when the team entirely relies on one paceman attack. Well, Harris did perform in the last match. This attack cannot be even compared to the south african pace attack of steyn, philander and morkel, who are in a peak position at the moment. Lets see how siddle's best attack plays in south africa.

Android
on January 7, 2014, 12:32 GMT

Same thing would have been Pakistan when they dispatched England 3-0 2012 however it was not Ashes and they were not that complacent I think Aussies are celebrating be oz they won an Important series from a battered England d:)

richard
on January 7, 2014, 12:24 GMT

@nico... you said nothing

richard
on January 7, 2014, 12:22 GMT

@ Romanticstud on (January 7, 2014, 11:20 GMT) South Africa do not have to prove themselves against sub continent sides, they just beat India, maybe sub continent sides have to prove they can compete away from the sub continent.

Goutham
on January 7, 2014, 12:21 GMT

Mitchell Johnson has performed well against South Africa with both bat & ball. Also Harris,Siddle&Lyon are in great form.

Ragavendran
on January 7, 2014, 12:19 GMT

@Ozcricketwriter: Agree with you on playing 4 quicks when required. People forget that this was a strategy that won the series 2-1 in SA in 2009 when Johnson and Hughes played like stars.

AMAR
on January 7, 2014, 12:07 GMT

great series and big celebration for Aussies. congrats to all Aussie players.every player doing his job properly.keep it up and take the odi and t20 series.

ESPN
on January 7, 2014, 11:47 GMT

We'll find out in South Africa.

Aidan
on January 7, 2014, 11:46 GMT

settle down guys - you guys are up against the proven #1 bowling side for some time; not to mention you will be bowling to the world's #1 batting lineup (minus Kallis). See how you fair there - we are keen to discover.

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 11:46 GMT

Australia's bowling attack has always been right up there or better than us (except maybe for Steyn - he has consistently been in a different league). Only confidence have set us apart. It will be interesting to see what the Ozzies bring come next month.

Adrian
on January 7, 2014, 11:38 GMT

Australia have had the best fast bowlers in the world ever since about 2008. They just haven't been picked, and have been coordinated badly. Finally in this Ashes we had the right balance to an attack. Not quite perfect though. Nathan Lyon isn't Australia's best spinner - Steve O'Keefe is - and sometimes we should be playing all pace. Perhaps at Newlands we will go all pace.

Chris
on January 7, 2014, 11:34 GMT

And England got accused of being arrogant?

so 4 months ago it was all doom and gloom and now all of a sudden its the best attack in the world.... it takes more than 1 series to prove to everyone that

KP and Cook have nearly 50 test hundreds between them and all of a sudden this attack was just too good for them? i cant really see that to be fair

This Aussie attack is one of the better one's for a long time mainly due to the fact Mitch is bowling very fast and very well, but there's room for improvement ( a decent spinner is always key)

You dont become the best attack in one series against a very very out of form side

sam
on January 7, 2014, 11:33 GMT

Aus is by far best -pace- attack in world as SA will find out soon aft. been obliterated by young new gen. Aus 3-0.But credit where is due SA's bating IS by far best in world as is the team.SA bowling-pace-with Paks is distant 2nd to Aus.Spin-Aus 1,SA 0 !

samir
on January 7, 2014, 11:27 GMT

Such proclamations are usually seen from teams who win after a long time. For me, South Africa, Pakistan and Australia have balanced attacks and each one of them is better than the other depending on the wicket and the weather. Secondly, Mitchel Johnson is not a great... he is just a good bowler like many others. Greatness comes from consistency and one good series does'nt make you stand with the greats.

I would say these are all mind games for the next tour.

Murray
on January 7, 2014, 11:27 GMT

You may all think whatever you like. I've watched Steyn Philander and Morkel bowl live, I've also watched them on TV. I've watched this ashes series, both live (Brisbane and Sydney) and on TV. Never ( in their dreams even) have those South African trio bowled like Aussies in ashes. The best I ever saw SA bowl was getting us out for 47 on a day when a much much worse Australian attack got 9 Sth African wickets for 47. They would not dare make a pitch like that this time ...... maybe .... please ? Also forgotten here is Steyn is well past his best by date. No surprise he never got a lot of wickets in a series....... ever since he replaced Donald Sth Africa wisely scheduled short series.

Android
on January 7, 2014, 11:22 GMT

Smith, Amla, AB, de Villiers, Duminy, Steyn, Philander. Enough said

Andrew
on January 7, 2014, 11:20 GMT

Mitchell Johnson is good but not great ... He does have his moments ... When Australia last toured South Africa it was his batting that got them home ... not his bowling ... Peter Siddle was really ordinary on South African tracks ... Harris hasn't bowled in South Africa ... They must remember 47 in Cape Town with Philander and Steyn ... And their batting still had Ponting and Hussey ... To say they are the best, they will have to play with the best ... England are far from the best on the road without the solidity that Strauss gave them up front ... look at how they played against Pakistan ... They can only make statements like that when they can beat teams away from home ... like South Africa has proven against England and Australia ... South Africa, however, still need to beat sub-continent sides in a full series away from home ...

Android
on January 7, 2014, 11:18 GMT

Im a Saffa and I loved the Aussies sledging the over-rated poms but just be serious for a while. . Smith, Amla, de Villiers, Du Plessis, Duminy-all are in that team, so while the loss of Kallis is huge, the batting line-up is still MASSIVE. Clarke has been exceptional the past 3 seasons and should have a higher ranking, but honestly AB and Amla have been just as good if not better and for a longer period (5+seasons). And none of the SA batters fear pace, they face itbeveryday in the nets with steyn and Morkel so I cant see Johnson being as intimidating as against the Poms. And lets be serious, Dale Steyn is by FAR the best bowler in the world. He had one bad test now people on this forum is saying hes inconsitent, ridiculous! Nevertheless, I love watching the aussies smash the poms, but come Feb, I think they are in for a rude awakening against us!

Cameron
on January 7, 2014, 11:17 GMT

Please, Azeem Armaghan Arslan & afsariqbal stop it!!!! LMAO!!! Funny guys! Can't wait for the next Pakistan tour to Australia to see how that one unravels this time. Again. As per usual.

sam
on January 7, 2014, 11:16 GMT

Well 1 man agree with Siddle -captain G Smith. Think Mitch!

Mradul
on January 7, 2014, 11:14 GMT

Thats a good joke, few months back they were struggling to win a test match and now they have the best attack! Indian team demolished Aussies in India with Ashwin and Jadeja grabbing flurry of wickets and our new comers thrashing Aussie bowlers are around. In the ODI series Johnson was thrashed all around the park by Kohli and Rohit. The Best attack is that of SA closely followed by Pakistan, Aus comes next.

Shahzan
on January 7, 2014, 11:12 GMT

It's very easy to decide who has the best bowling attack, they need to win a series vs Pakistan. Whosoever wins the series that will be undoubtedly considered as No.1. Presently only two team have got the upper hand on others in bowling department are Pakistan and South Africa in all conditions!!!

richard
on January 7, 2014, 11:07 GMT

That's funny Hayden he speaks highly of you

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 11:06 GMT

Don even compare SA with Aus. One team is desperate to keep up their fortunately earned No.1 spot (preferred draw for a win recently). The other one wants desperately to win, they try so hard, even in lost matches. U always have fans for the latter category.

Merv
on January 7, 2014, 11:05 GMT

Varun - tongue in cheek .... but good response. Some stats for you - Steyn (350 @ 23.00) may eventually finish up there with the greats such as Lillie and McGrath (563 @ 2100) or even Ambrose (405 @ 20.00). Steyn is terrific to watch but lately his pace has declined and he has actually had some matches where he hardly troubles the batmen. Will be an interesting series and close I feel.

santhosh
on January 7, 2014, 11:03 GMT

More than the Aussie batting lineup I have my doubts on the Saffers... if a mediocre bowling lineup like Ind can rattle the Saffers batsmen I wonder how they are gonna handle Johnson and co in those hostile pitches with no Kallis to rescue them this time....Perhaps the Saffers could have underestimated the Ind team after the Oneday debacle but Ind gave a real scare in the test matches...Only time will tell....nevertheless this could be a cracker of a series...

Heath
on January 7, 2014, 11:02 GMT

The word games have already begun. However, theAussie batting stills needs a lot of work. On the other-hand it will be interesting to see how the SA batsman perform against a quality bowling attack. Also the conditions in SA will be quite similar too Australia. The result of this upcoming series lies with the performance of the Aussie batsman.

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 11:00 GMT

Oh no! some what excited he is , i would like to ask, 'will they repeat this show in sub- continent ' big no , they may be good in their backyard but not in alien conditions untill proved , these same sort of bowlers were pumelled to death by Great mighty Hash and smith at perth , when they were scoring at run rate of 7.3 ,so this is basically over the top claim , At present in tests it is african attack which is best .

greig
on January 7, 2014, 10:56 GMT

Wow!!!
Big words coming from a average medium pacer with an average career and an average Test record and who is lucky to even be starting for Australia in the first place! This is the same attack that lost 8 test matches in a row playing away and now they are No.1 ???!! What!

The last time I saw Siddle play against South Africa was in Adelaide, when he had to be carried off the field with fatigue after he failed to bowl out South Africa in 2 days....That about sums him up, all heart but still average.

Thank you for making this press statement Siddle, this is exactly what I was hoping for to get Dale Steyn and Friends fired up. And for the record I think Pakistan's bowling lineup is better than Oz. Cricinfo pls post.

richard
on January 7, 2014, 10:55 GMT

I remember 12 months ago this same Saffer bowling attack was going to smash Australia 3 nil did not happen.... with Kallis, cannot see it happening without him.... unless you did not rate him.

santhosh
on January 7, 2014, 10:54 GMT

More than the Aussies batting lineup I have my doubts on the Saffers batting lineup... if a mediocre bowling lineup like Ind can rattle the Saffers batsmen I wonder how they are gonna handle Johnson and co in those hostile pitches with no Kallis to rescue them this time....Perhaps the Saffers could have underestimated the Ind team after the Oneday debacle but Ind gave a real scare in the test matches...Only time will tell....neverthless this could be a cracker of a series...

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 10:53 GMT

I think they have to get there and player cricket and making those comment about the Australia attack. If Siddel think his the best bowel. Could he bowl better in india like that.

They think they are the best in theworld because they beating the English at Cricket. They have prove, when they player next year, they are number 3rd in the world at the moment, in the rancks

Dummy
on January 7, 2014, 10:50 GMT

If Pattinson didn't break down. If we only got Faf out. If Watson didn't drop the catch. If we didn't lose that one session....

If my aunt had wheels she would be a bus.

The scoreboard is all that counts. South Africa went in with 7 batsmen and 4 bowlers. Because their system produced Kallis and their system produced Steyn and Philander and de Villiers and Duminy to allow that. Test cricket is about 11 players standing on the shoulders of a system. If your system breeds winners you will get them more often than not. The system bred Mfuneko Ngam, our generation bowler and he broke down averaging 18 with the ball. It produced Marchant de Lange who broke down. Test cricket is not about 11 players on a field. It is a sign of the health of an entire system.

Dru
on January 7, 2014, 10:50 GMT

Ironicaly this is what Eng said a while back and wonder how they feel about it now? Some in Eng even suggested Jimmy was better than Steyn! Do these people follow test cricket or English cricket only? Yes the Aus bowled well but to make wild statements like this, when SA have the top two bolwers in the world is just almost silly. This is just one series and most of these Aus bowlers were average on the last 2 Aus tours to India and Eng and could not do much against SA last summer so not sure how they became the best in the world after one series. Not denying they bolwed brilliantly but to be the best in the world you need to string a few series consistently.

Rolf
on January 7, 2014, 10:47 GMT

It's the first time a team has taken all 100 wkts in an Ashes series. 1 run-out (Root), 99 dismissed by a bowler. The very least you can say is that the attack is the most successful Ashes attack ever. Think about that for a moment - Lillee/Thomson/Walker/Mallet, McGrath/Gillespie/Lee/Warne, Larwood/Voce/Allen/Verity. It is an amazing performance. For me Harris is at least as good as Philander, Johnson (in this form) is as a good as Steyn (Not necessarily as skillful but equally effective). So Morkel vs Siddle? Hmm. Not sure - have to check the stats. And Lyon is better than Robin Petersen. I call it about even (depending on the Morkel/Siddle comparison). SA are the better team by virtue of Smith/Amla/De Villiers. Before the Ashes I felt the same about Pietersen/Bell/Cook/Trott.

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 10:46 GMT

Honestly, number one?...Johnson had a fine series (have never like the man but praise where it is due)...and without him, Australia would of be thrashed.

richard
on January 7, 2014, 10:45 GMT

@ Boytjie84 on (January 7, 2014, 10:30 GMT) so you say but makes you an expert.

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 10:43 GMT

Boytjie84: I think it will be a lot closer than people think. I remember them arriving in 2009 as distinct underdogs and yet won the series. Overall, Australia have a very proud record in South Africa. they have won 4 and drawn 2 of their last 6 series there. very impressive. I would reckon on a 1-1 series draw.

richard
on January 7, 2014, 10:32 GMT

@ EricVD on (January 7, 2014, 10:15 GMT) If you had read any of my posts in the past, I have always given credit and acknowledged the Saffers as number 1 in bowling batting anything, I have just had a gut full of every time an Aussie says anything, it is characterised as arrogant, so if that is what we are that is what we will be.

Cliff
on January 7, 2014, 10:30 GMT

Ha ha Aussie attack is nowhere near the same league as the Saffas. Steyn is better than all 3 quicks combined! Poor Ausies are gonna get man-handled in South Africa!

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 10:24 GMT

Haha, Dave Brown, you are quite right. "I'm a comin' ta git you" is what top sportsman tend to say. Confidence and attitude played a large part in this Ashes series. The Aussie and English attacks are of similar standard, but only the Aussies really turned up. Conversely, the English batting attack arrived with four top-tier players to Austalia's one; then one went home and the other three failed to perform. All the other contributions by the games honest journeymen gave the series an illusion of contest which wasn't really there. When it comes to the Australian tour of South Africa the situation should (barring the usual array of bizarre explanations) be quite different - I would look askance at any match where South Africa doesn't win by a huge margin.

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 10:16 GMT

LOL....LMAO...ROFL....the same attack and the same team lost 4-0 to us as this so called best bowling attack was shattered to pieces by a mediocre Indian bating line up. Wait Mr. Siddle when you visit SA and dance to the tunes of Steyn and Morkel. soon you'll be in our senses. and
@Mervo... please, check you records and stats you calling Steyn inconsistent is making me even more laugh harder. Steyn is by a long-long shot the best fast bowler that the world has ever seen and his records prove so.

Eric
on January 7, 2014, 10:15 GMT

@rickyvoncanterbury Love the trolling, I appreciate it for what it is! But on a serious note, any normal, thinking individual, understands that the onus to prove something lies not on the victor or champion, but rhe challenger. So your little 'we are the best just because I say so and you have to prove me wrong' is cute and I understand you are trying to work fans up ;) But let us all get real, SA is #1. Come prove something against us. Even if you whitewash us we are still #1, so you will have to come back a second time and prove something. See ya!

disco
on January 7, 2014, 10:11 GMT

@ozwriter, I don't recall SA 'thrashing' us last time. In the first drawn Test at the Gabba, how many wicket did Steyn and Philander, the top two bowlers in the world take between them? (hint: 1). Had Pattinson not broken down we probably would have won the drawn Test at Adelaide. They did pummel us in the final test though. All in all not what could rightly be termed a 'thrashing'.

anton
on January 7, 2014, 10:09 GMT

Harris means they will be no.1 in peoples eyes, if not in the points table. And I agree with him. Whoever wins this series will be the new no.1.

Jay
on January 7, 2014, 10:09 GMT

It's funny to read what the Aussies have to say now. Not long ago, this same team was smashed to bits in India. Siddle was taken to the cleaners by the Indian batsmen. In fact, Siddle was one of the better batsmen for Australia on that trip as India's spinners ripped through their batting line up. I can understand confidence, but I can NEVER tolerate over confidence and haughtiness. Cause, that's what Siddle is sounding like. One series doesn't prove much. Australia need to do what they did to England all over the world. I know that's highly unlikely.

Murray
on January 7, 2014, 10:08 GMT

There's a very simple point in Siddle's comments, in fact everything said. We are going to South Africa and hope they hear us coming. Siddle knows he's Philander's equal. Whether Steyn or Harris will bowl better, or stand up longer than each other who knows ? Johnson probably isn't as scary as Morkel though. :D

Kannan
on January 7, 2014, 10:08 GMT

Australia bowled well only because their batsmen managed to stitch up decent totals relative to England. If the Aus have to depend on Haddin to bail them out most of the time in a 5 test series, then rest assured, they are going to take a licking from SA, even if they play ( bat and bowl) as well as they did during this Ashes.

Curtis
on January 7, 2014, 10:07 GMT

If SA had a world class spinner they'd definitely be better, but as it is, I think that both attacks are quite well matched.

Sharjeel
on January 7, 2014, 10:04 GMT

It should not be forgotton that in the Ashes just gone, on a number of occassions, it was the Aussie lower batting order (Haddin, Johnson & Smith) which came to its rescue. They were able to do that against a mediocre English attack but will they be able to do the same against the Steyn Gun?

Eric
on January 7, 2014, 10:02 GMT

@Previous poster: "I'm stunned at how many 'that's' so arrogant' comments that come up when players make confident, even over-confident claims."

No, there is a difference between making a confident statement like "I believe our attack has come a long way and are now ready to challenge for #1 spot and I believe we can better SA" and pure arrogance like "We are the best attack in the world", while sitting 26 points behind SA. That just sounds childish and stupid. And he got his sums wrong, beating SA will only mean a #3 or #2 position in the ICC rankings, because to be the best you have to have consistency and Australia lost nearly everything in 2013. So show some respect, some humility and let the talking happen on the field, not the press, "mate".

Merv
on January 7, 2014, 9:58 GMT

I agree Yarms. The Australian attack - at present - can take advantage of most conditions and our spinner is better now. Our top order is fragile and Steyn, Philander and Morkel will punish them for any lack of technique. Will be a well balanced series with Kallis departing and Steyn becoming more inconsistent as he ages.

Ragavendran
on January 7, 2014, 9:53 GMT

People were criticizing Warner for shooting off his mouth during the middle of 1st Ashes Test about Trott and his weakness. Now they are attacking Siddle. The number of comments on this article shows the impact Siddle has made. Love them or hate the Aussies, you can't ignore them. I think Australia know this is their best chance to beat SA for the next couple of years as most Australian players are almost close to retirement and want to incite mind games against SA and beat them by throwing SA off their game. Good strategy by Siddle and I won't be surprised if Lehmann had his hand in this.

richard
on January 7, 2014, 9:52 GMT

Good work Siddle get under their skin, so what team are you on, Ali's I am the greatest with no statistics to back it up, or I have a dream, It's now up to the Saffers to prove Ali (siddle) wrong.

des
on January 7, 2014, 9:39 GMT

Good to see the Aussies behaving with their usual understated charm after a victory. And interesting to see that Harris thinks they 'go to number 1' if they win in SA. Guess maths isn't his strong point? Or perhaps he's just forgotten all the other losses in 2013?

Anyway, glad he's added some extra motivation for the SA bowlers. Should be a great series, I hope the SA team do their talking on the field and let the classy characters like Warner and Siddle voice off in the press.

I still remember Gilly's comments to Andre Nel after Nel was having his usual rant against the then top team. "You'd be better off showing a bit of respect mate".

TK
on January 7, 2014, 9:38 GMT

Steyn > Johnson
Morkel > Harris
Philander > Siddle

I think the Aussies need to look past the Ashes and England, who were a team on the decline even in the summer it was just the ineptitude of the Australian batsmen that saved England then. As to Australia having Lyon the better spinner he would be about as much use as a blind guide dog against the likes of India, SL or Pakistan

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 9:38 GMT

worlds best? hahahahahaha you are funny

Andrew
on January 7, 2014, 9:37 GMT

I'm sure I'm not the only one one looking forward to Dale, Vern, de Villiers, Smith, Amla and du Plessis showing the Aussies a bit of humility. Only regret is king Kallis not being able to share the bloodbath.

richard
on January 7, 2014, 9:36 GMT

Good on ya Siddle, there ya go Saffers, when Ali said he was the greatest he had no statistics to prove him right, but he was right, if you don't like it prove him wrong.

ESPN
on January 7, 2014, 9:36 GMT

I'm stunned at how many 'that's' so arrogant' comments that come up when players make confident, even over-confident claims. What do you expect them to say? 'Nah, we're pretty average actually. I think we'll lose'. Did you expect Cook to say before Sydney 'well, we lost the first four. We're pretty screwed here too.' If I were coach, I'd have serious concerns of any player who DIDN'T front the press saying they think they could beat anyone.

Murtaza
on January 7, 2014, 9:34 GMT

wait till you visit sub-continent..

santhosh
on January 7, 2014, 9:33 GMT

Here we go with the bragging again...one series win and they started to self proclaim that they are the world's best bowlers blah blah blah....Pathetic...This same bowling was hammered by Eng and in Ind not long ago...so where was this guy then?? we all will be watching your team in SA Mr. Siddle...so enjoy while it last..

Ash
on January 7, 2014, 9:30 GMT

siddle, get over yourself mate. south africa thrashed england, indian and australia recently. none of their bowlers was as narcisstic as this. as an aussie fan, lets see the bowlers perform overseas, then we'll see who is best. remember, barring johnson, harris, siddle and lyon were largely rubbish in england.

ESPN
on January 7, 2014, 9:27 GMT

Very excited for a crunch context between south africa and australia
Australian bowlers are good but southafrican bowlers are the best who are well supported batsmem
I just think that where australia will lack will be their batting.Their top order just needs to be more consistent

Saboor
on January 7, 2014, 9:25 GMT

Well guyz if OZ r really No.1 in something its self-praise. They were getting beaten black n blue all around the world and just one series win makes them the top bolwling unit...what rubbish...Siddle is really lucky to be included in the side due to injury to pattison...this seems like a desperate effort to mark urself as No.1 and retain ur place in the side...u know what sid...just wait for SA tour..

Kiran
on January 7, 2014, 9:25 GMT

@ xtrafalgarx - That is exactly my point. If you are thumping your chest going around telling everyone 10 times that we are the best attack then that attack should be potent in ALL conditions and FYI - spin tracks are present in 50% of the cricket playing countries - India, Srilanka, Pak/ABD, Bangladesh and West Indies. If the attack lacks a good spinner or fast bowlers who bowl well on slow tracks it means it is USELESS in 50% of the cricket world. Even on fast tracks, it remains to be seen how well they bowl against the SAF. Winning one series at home and thumping your chest about being the best after being routed for most of the year is simply nonsense.

Pradeep
on January 7, 2014, 9:22 GMT

I am sure against SA Smith's wicket is for Johnson.Faf,ABD,Duminy,Amla will make Johnson and company cry for wickets.When it comes to bowling the aggression in SA attack was not good against India,if that continues then there is chance for aus.

Dummy
on January 7, 2014, 9:21 GMT

No good having the world's best attack if your batsmen can't get past 47 against Morkel Steyn Philander, Mr Siddle.

Dummy
on January 7, 2014, 9:19 GMT

Spectacular arrogance based on one good series. Morkel Steyn and Philander have been dominating around the world over an extended period, have bowled sides out on every type of wicket imaginable. Last time I saw this much arrogance was from Anderson and Co before South Africa thumped the English 3 zero in England. You are seeing yourself up for a fall Mr Siddle.

Murray
on January 7, 2014, 9:17 GMT

I'd like to remind everyone that even a win in Sth Africa, will not be yet considered a sufficiently "away" win (and shouldn't be). It will be interesting what sort of pitches Sth Africa present - I expect the most batting friendly tracks the Rainbow Nation has EVER seen. Although it seems they don't exercise favourable control of pitches ? Beauty ..... let's play on a bouncy seaming greentop ?

Freeza
on January 7, 2014, 9:17 GMT

Far too early to tell whether they are even top 3 when you base it on one series. I'd probably take both the PAK and SA attacks over them in most conditions. We (NZ) are not too far behind, Boult and Southee have taken a considerable amount of wickets on dead sub-continent pitches.

Anoop
on January 7, 2014, 9:15 GMT

Siddle: I have an army.
Smith: We have a Steyn.

Yarman
on January 7, 2014, 9:15 GMT

dunger.bob... Siddle is a tee total and a vegetarian.. so its not the beer talking! I'm an India supporter however, I think this Aus bowling side is superior to SA as it has a quality spinner.. Something SA lacks - I do think that the Aus batting is brittle Watson and Baliey in the top 6 are weak links. I think that SA has the eddge... marginally

wonky? Who made them a "dodgy batting" group & "mentally defeated batters"? Answer: the same bloke who blew SA in 08-09; the same bloke who just blew away a team that was the most recent team to win a test series in India? You a bit nervous of the up coming encore? Rightfully so. SA have not beaten Australia in a test series in SA since your reintroduction to cricket. Our bowlers are going to love SA conditions!

Michael Ponnudurai
on January 7, 2014, 9:08 GMT

To make sure that this is not a one off achievement, some or all of the following needs to be done by Aus think tank: Australia batting needs to be more strong in performance in overseas tours. SA can be expected to lay out dry pitches to negate the Aus pace attack and crush the Aus batting which cannot play quality spin (except perhaps Clarke and Smith to some extent) Australia needs to rest not just Siddle and Harris but also Johnson from ODIs. There are plenty of fast bowlers who could be roped in to play the ODIs with England. Also, for overseas tours it is important they take one more spinner to be used when pitches are doctored. Further a back up quality spinner should always be with the team to be able to play if Lyon gets injured or a second spinner is required. It is very key for Aus to use some foresight in squad composition for and in the future.

Ali
on January 7, 2014, 9:08 GMT

hahahahaha

Australia vs South Africa part 2 !!!

Sorry guys, but Morkle,Styen & Philander is still the best attack in the world ...

Mitch and Harris , will never both last 10 consecutive Tests without someone breaking down !

Australia is awful lucky that neither Harris or Johnson broke down mid series ...

But that is most likely because the are both coming off of long breaks ...

and talking about depth,,,
SA bowlers in reserve are AWESOME ...

OZ has soooo many bowlers with test experience because thier bowlers keep breaking down ...

the SA attack never gives a youngun a chance ...

But at anytime, SA can easily groom another world class quick !

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 9:08 GMT

I am really looking forward to the tour of South Africa. I reckon Dale Steyn is listening. So is Morne Morkel and Philander. In many ways Australia and South Africa are matched. Australia have a weak middle order which Steyn and Morkel are going to test. With the retirement of Kallis, the South African middle order too looks a bit raw. I am sure Johnson and Co. would have made elaborate plans for that. I predict bounce and green pitches, lots of wickets, meaty blows to the helmets and the smell of leather. In the end the team that can bat better would win with the bowling spoils shared. Now to talk about the greatness, I would say, had these teams traveled to India on current form, they would have got their ass whopped big time. None of those pace antics would work in India and only England who had Swann's services have won a test series in India. So both these teams are miles away from reaching greatness. But still there are lots of things to savor in between. looking forward to it !!

Ashok
on January 7, 2014, 9:07 GMT

An extraordinary performance by Australia. Unfortunately Rogers, Haddin and Harris are all in the mid 30s- the selectors have to identify their replacements and groom them as quickly as possible to replace the incumbents. Failing that, the brilliant cricket Australia played in this series could prove to be a one-off.

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 9:01 GMT

Typical Aussie arrogance, so irritating and boring at the same time. Clearly, after SA the Pakistani attack is number 2.

Calvin
on January 7, 2014, 8:57 GMT

These Ozzies simply mauled the Poms build on the foundations of some class fast bowling by MJ.
What I cannot understand though is that a lot of their fans here on CricInfo shunts the facts of the 2012 home series around when the Saffa took them 1-nil. They were good, but let's not forget that before the on-set of the rain in the 1st test, the SA batters was well settled - batting with only 10-players in the 2nd innnings, and despite Faf's heroics in the 2nd, they had a Morkel and Kallis breaking down during the test which left them a front-line bowler short.
So when the 3rd test rolled around, this Saffa team came dancing out of his corner like Ali superb and commanding innings was played by AB, Amla and Smith with Steyn arguably delivering the ball of 2012 to square up a red-hot Michael Clarke.
To win a test your bowling unit should take 20-wickets a game, both teams seemingly has the ability to do so and conditions here in SA is very similar to Oz.

Android
on January 7, 2014, 8:57 GMT

@pureproteos49
subcontinent pitches for India? joberg was typicallly southafrican...and Durban was devoid of grass...that doesnt make it subcontinent...it didnt breakup...(still it was Fine play by SA)....dont come up with false arguements to support your team...neways SA is best team undoubtedly because they play well all over the world

Eric
on January 7, 2014, 8:55 GMT

The Aussie arrogance is shocking... South Africa's bowling attack is immense and contains the two best rated bowlers in world cricket, and they have proven this over time, not just once-off. Also this is a different SA team, a team that can beat anyone on any pitch, a team that when down fights back, never gives up, never surrenders without a fight. That is a hard team to beat. In cricket things can change, and Australia might very well dethrone SA at some point, but for now SA is the #1 team in Test Cricket, show some respect. When Australia have proven they are the best over time (months, or even a year or two), then we can talk about being the best attack. And the funniest thing is that Siddle thinks beating SA will make them the best side in the world. Haha. Even if the beat SA 3-0 they will only be #2 in the ICC rankings, still 7 points behind SA. And if India wins their series agains NZ, which they should, Australia can win SA 3-0 and remain in #3 in the ICC rankings.

Android
on January 7, 2014, 8:53 GMT

funny that it's coming from sids who is actually the weak link in the atrack. when Pattinson comes back he deserves a a spot ahead of Siddle. Pattinson is a far better bowler

Pad
on January 7, 2014, 8:53 GMT

Blaaaaa blaaaa blaaaaaa This is the problem with Australians... Going overboard !! It was indeed a good achievement though it was against just one wounded team in the world, but they have already talking about being the number 1 attack. Next thing we gonna hear is titles like "Is Johnson the next Akram??" ohhh give the rest of the world a break mates!! You got to work harder and prove better to match 'Styne-Morkel-Phlander' and 'Imran-Junaid-Ajmal' combinations. These are guys who have proven more than many times. So I guess the MJ centered attack needs to prove more. Oh yes I forgot, you certainly have the best verbal attack!!

Sriram
on January 7, 2014, 8:50 GMT

Siddle, don't hoot your horns too early before you start knocking out teams on flat, spinning pitches in hot and humid conditions (India, UAE, SL). When you do then the world will accpet its the best. Even the bestest of McGrath, Gillespie, Lee, Warne found it so difficult to win in India (although they did once in last decade), check your recent records there including your personal ones, so you have to be patient. Fast bowling on pitches that suit in Aus, Eng and SA is not end of the world.

Alan
on January 7, 2014, 8:50 GMT

@PureProteas49, do you remember 10/96?

Sean
on January 7, 2014, 8:49 GMT

You just fired up the Saffas up, pete. You need to try abit of modesty mate.

Android
on January 7, 2014, 8:48 GMT

Obviously the Aussies weren't going to say their attack isn't as good going in, that would be stupid! What I don't understand is even if they thrash us 3-0, they only get to 117 points, so they cannot get to number 1. Did Harris miscalculate?

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 8:48 GMT

OK then what happened when this Australian attack kept getting hammered for over 350 runs in ODI series against India. If they are to be declared best, they will have to perform well in all three formats, not in just one format and ONE SERIES!!!

Kasif
on January 7, 2014, 8:46 GMT

Until this Australian attack goes through a couple seasons of consistent performances like this one (as the South African attack has, even without a quality spinner), statements like Siddles' and Clarke's will come off as somewhat silly, arrogant, and perhaps even disrespectful.

Australia had a special home series, but so had other teams in the past that had average performances before and after. Is a batsman who just scored a triple century or several centuries in succession (as Ross Taylor did recently) suddenly the best in the world?

Harris is a fine pacer, but is injury-prone, aging, and yet to take 100 wickets. Johnson was on fire this series (like Ross Taylor against the West Indies) but has run very hot and then very cold before. Johnson and Harris are not as good as Steyn and Philander, and never will be (unless Philander nosedives). Lyon has a FC bowling average of 37. Siddle is solid; his Test record looks a lot like Morne Morkel's.

I like Rogers' comment on retirement.

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 8:44 GMT

Sai Kiran Reddy Those were all efforts on prepared one day and 20/20 roads. Jim Laker bowling with Spofforth couldn't have controlled the Indian batsmen on those pitches. Stop confusing limited over with test cricket.

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 8:39 GMT

Must have forgotten that South Africa existed. One series wonders for you I guess. Nothing more annoying than a cocky Australian (from a Kiwi's perspective)

IMRAN
on January 7, 2014, 8:35 GMT

I must invite Aussies to come and play with PAKISTAN in UAE...:) Siddle will get the answer in 2 matches :)

Peter
on January 7, 2014, 8:27 GMT

I agree with the Sidmeister - 5-zip against a solid batting line up is not to be sneezed at

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 8:22 GMT

A lot of people seem to think Siddles comments are a joke. I'm sorry, but they just destroyed a side that has been dominant in world cricket for the last 3 or so years. Without a doubt, its too early to say its the best. But it certainly pushes up there.

How about we all enjoy a feirce test series in South Africa and then make our calls. I for one, cant wait till i see Steyn, Phillander and Morkel up against Johnson, Harris and Siddle.

Two firey sides doing battle. Yes please!

Brandon
on January 7, 2014, 8:21 GMT

As far as I can remember.....in a series last year against India these guys were bullied against the Indian batsmen, now after one successfull series against a very very disappointing batting lineup the think they are the best , please boys don`t put the best tag on your shoulders as next month in SA will be a rude awakening , You think Johnson will intimidate batsmen like Smith,Amla,Abd with pace ? These blokes face serious pace and swing in the nets almost everyday from the best in the business, and provoking them with statements??? not a good idea.....

Warren
on January 7, 2014, 8:17 GMT

That's why Phliander, Steyn and Morkel are rated 1,2 and 12 and Harris, Siddle and Johnson are rated 3,6 and 8 and only thanks to one series against dodgy batting and mentally defeated batters (before the series they were 5,6 and 23) . This is all blown up by the media and truth be told they well know who's number one attack wise and remember we have 4 of our top 6 averaging 50 +, vs Clarke. Bring it on Siddle!!

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 8:17 GMT

I have to say that this attack has been fantastic and the major difference between the sides. For the Indian fans - were you watching Mitch Johnson in the ODI series?

PALLAB
on January 7, 2014, 8:17 GMT

Sidd, getting a bit boring!U played about 20 Tests in Eng/India/SA & just about bagged 60 odd wickets without ever getting ur team in any winning position in any match with hostile spells .OZ has lost 8 Tests in India past 3 series (no wins),5 in Eng past 2 series. Browbeating Eng which NEVER in history has been the best side ever barring a brief period at top in 50s/early 60s (let's not talk about 2-nation derbies B4 WW2) does not make any side the best. Don't remember OZ pace attacks standing up to best team in history -WI for 15 plus years barring Thommo/Lillee in mid-70s in 1 series when WI pace dynasty had not yet begun. If OZ with very same attack beats SA home/away, India/Eng away then can it be termed the best pace attack. BTW, U are lucky to still be part of this attack with Pattinson still recovering. Wud rather have pacy Patto (or even a rejuvenated Starc) to complete attack.

Richard
on January 7, 2014, 8:16 GMT

@Agapah:- Kudos, at least someone gets it. Confidence is important for a sportsman. Whether it's right or wrong isn't all that important, he's not a cricket journalist. They have to believe they can win or what's the point of turning up at all? Having watched much of the SA series as well as most of the Ashes I'm not entirely sure that on current form he's wrong anyway.

Ian
on January 7, 2014, 8:16 GMT

OK, lets see now, England won the ashes when Aus toured there, South Africa went over and thrashed the English into the ground, We then went to Australia, Twice Aus were in a winning position yet they failed to finish, especially at Adelaide, South Africa however did not make that mistake in Perth, 'Series Win' moving on, Aus tour India, they get beaten there, We prepare subcontinent pitches for India here in South Africa, India fail to beat us, So now tell me Siddle if you have the so called best bowling unit, whats with all the losses, Oh I know you beat an undercooked English side so now you think you are great, cant wait for Feb, you do remember 46/10 dont you 'Kom seun, ons wag'

rob
on January 7, 2014, 8:16 GMT

I'm going to put all this down to a hang over and not thinking straight. In a couple of days time the batsmen are probably going to beat a path to his door to have a crack at him. .. Why would you want to provoke the Saffers like that? .. Pete, stay away from the beer mate.

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 8:16 GMT

While the best in the world mantle is certainly contestable, there can be no doubt that the bowling of this outfit has been absolutely superb. While many of the wickets can be put down to poor shots, it's tough to see where this group has put out a spell of poor bowling. They never really let England into the contest. If they produce a similar performance on South African pitches, which are largely similar to Australian wickets, we will undoubtedly give them a tough time - they were troubled against the likes of Ishant and the new man Shami in the last series. Certainly not irrevocably the best in the world, but definitely in contention for the title. The world waits with bated breath for Aus v SA.

Stephen
on January 7, 2014, 8:15 GMT

Bet attack in the world has messrs Steyn, Philander and Morkel in it and last time I checked they weren't Austrailian.
I'm and England fan and as much as they whipped us all this series long and made us look like an under 13's side. We batted woefully poorly, not one batsman that played in the series failed to throw his wicket away more than 3 times. They wern't bowled out they just handed them their wickets on a platter half the time. Australia have a good attack, South Africa are streets ahead of the competition though.

Tom
on January 7, 2014, 8:15 GMT

yeah it's arrogance... but i'd probably agree that australia have the best pace attack in the world - not just for the primary bowlers in this series, but also because in the wings they have the likes of patternson, starc, bird, cummins. throw in lyon who's very serviceable... that's some formidable depth.

shame the batting strength isn't half as strong.

$$ milind
on January 7, 2014, 8:15 GMT

Pakistan look solid in slower pitches, Australia are joint best with South Africa on quick decks. So overall taking all conditions into equations Dale Steyn makes South Africa look better than Pakistan or Australia. Saeed Ajmal and Mitchell Johnson are X-Factors but they aren't the same in all conditions unlike Steyn whose record in subcontinent is good than Johnson and Ajmal(on green tops).

Michael
on January 7, 2014, 8:11 GMT

Oh Dear Siddle. The fact that Eng batted poorly doesn't mean Aus bowlers are best. Not so long ago they were battered in India and England, the same Eng that SA beat, in addition to beating Aus at home. We all know that SA bowlers are the best in the business. SA cricketers are not overrated as Eng, and they do not overhype their performances like Aus. Do better than SA did for a time longer than SA and you will be better than SA.

Warren
on January 7, 2014, 8:11 GMT

Yet again, Australia are shooting their arrogant mouths off and the mind games of old have begun. South Africa are not the same team you faced in the 90's/00's. Unlike Austraila, South Africa will do their talking on the field, where it belongs, and then we will see who has the "best bowling attack in the world".

Richard
on January 7, 2014, 8:09 GMT

Love these articles. The righteous indignation in the comments that follow is always so entertaining.

Alex
on January 7, 2014, 8:07 GMT

Blame england. We have to listen this joke. Aussies are good at home with lots of young pacers as back up. They are 3rd rate clueless bowlers outside home just like every country except SA and Pakistan. SA and Pakistan have best fast bowlers. But aussies with 5-0 can toot their horn for a while until they get pummeled by SA

Alan
on January 7, 2014, 8:03 GMT

Well,well,well its that kind of smugness that gets you to the bottom of the pile . There is a time to be smug and a time to be humble siddles timing was poor. He is living in the shadow of greatness atm , with Harris and Johnson being the enforcers, Pattinson is bowling with heat even though its t20 hes consistently been in the mid 140s something siddle has lost the ability to do since he lost his muscle, Patto also shapes it away and can deck it back in with great control and is better with bat in hand. He still bowls in good areas but i like the trio of Johnson Harris and Pattinson for Sth Africa now there is a potential world best bowling line up with Lyon and Watto

afsar
on January 7, 2014, 7:59 GMT

Mr. Siddle then what your thoughts about this bowling attack consist of the most fierece irfan,the most improved junaid, the youngster pocket-rocket bhatti & the majician ajmal, the professor hafeez & last but not the least Boom Boom afridi & one thing for sure they are not playing on their own home grounds.

Richard
on January 7, 2014, 7:59 GMT

@pitch_curator:- "They were thumped when they were in India hardly 6 months back - this very same attack". Generally it's a good idea that if one is going to make a devastating point one should try to get one's facts straight, given that the test records are easy to look up and all that. Harris didn't play at all in that series and Johnson in only the last test, so I guess your point about this being "this very same attack" is complete rubbish, wouldn't you say? And anyone who says Lyon doesn't spin it is obviously just repeating the same rubbish others have said rather than watching the games. He's as big a spinner of the ball as any offie in the game atm.

Peter
on January 7, 2014, 7:59 GMT

The fact that Harris thinks they go to number 1 in the world if they win in South Africa shows how seriously one should take these victory intoxicated statements. Even if they won 3-0 they would still be about 10 points behind SA.

Yash
on January 7, 2014, 7:56 GMT

I guess Aussies are just flying too high at the moment and they honestly need a reality check. 2 months ago 350 was bein chased with ease by the Indians and now they claim to be the best bowling attack in the world. Funny isnt it?

Agreed they have a decent bowling line up but honestly if you take out the pace and bounce from the wicket i dont see anyone being a major threat apart from Harris. For my reckoning hands down South Africa followed by Pakistan are the 2 best bowling line ups in the world. Probbaly the 2 atatcks that have done well overseas as compared to any other side.

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 7:56 GMT

This is hilarious! Siddle have a better career in stand up comedy rather than professional sports as it seems! Of course Siddle ! In a world where South African and Pakistani Bowling line ups don't exist and not to forget that world should only have fast bowling friendly pitches and a line up of English batsmen !

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 7:53 GMT

best attack is with pakistan ajmal,rehman,irfan,junaid,wahab riaz,umar gul and guess what?muhammad amir will be back

afsar
on January 7, 2014, 7:51 GMT

I m waiting for aussies to tour South Africa & UAE for Pakistan tour.After these tour the world can easily categorized which attack is the best 1, 2 & 3.Till then Mr.Siddle can enjoy the tag of so called "the best bowling attack".Aussie bowling attack is good enough but not the best in the business.Steyn & Co are eagarly waiting.

James
on January 7, 2014, 7:50 GMT

@Pitch_Curator: It's the batsmen who lost the games not the bowlers. Ajmal is a good spinenr but surrounded by mediocre pacers, Ashwin is toothless outside of India, Jadeja is good in most conditions but however good they are they also have average seamers.

Harris, Siddle and Johnson are all ranked in the top 10 bowlers of the world, Lyon is their support in the top 20.

Andrew
on January 7, 2014, 7:48 GMT

Hmmm, at least his arrogance wasn't complete. He only mentioned how wonderful all the other bowlers were and not himself. You just sense these guys were waiting for the moment to proclaim their brilliance. I just hope Steyn, Philander and Mokel prove they are second best, at best. There's so much more to like about the South Africans, then again, is there any team that's harder to like than the Aussies?

after watching this series i don't think they have the best attack in the world

every team as the best attack at home..

to be frank south African attack can be considered as the best among all the attacks.

Manas
on January 7, 2014, 7:43 GMT

Sorry, I don't think that let alone being world's best, this attack is even in top 3 at this time. Wait for the series with SA and they will realize what a top world class bowling attack actually looks like. Australian bowling success in the recently concluded test series can be attributed more to Eng batting failure rather than the result of a top bowling performance. Time to come down back to earth.

ESPN
on January 7, 2014, 7:41 GMT

It's not the best attack in the world. Let's see what happens in South Africa

Gordon
on January 7, 2014, 7:40 GMT

Yeah we have all heard that before.
Attack is the worlds best are you serious?

raj
on January 7, 2014, 7:38 GMT

As neutral Let me do 1-1 mapping and see how it comes out.
Fast Bowling- Styne,Morkel,Philender vs Jhonson,Haris,Siddle - RSA +1
Spinner - Peterson/Imran T - Leon - both are equally ineffective against decent batting
Openers - Smith/Person vs Warner/Rogers - 0 (Both are decent not great)
Middle Order - Amla, Devilliers,(Kallis - Not sure who will replace him),Duminy - Watson,Clark,Smith,XYZ - RSA +1 (with Kallis it would have been +2).
Clearly from talent point of view RSA team is better.
Only point where Ausi can beat RSA is on Positive attitude. If RSA is confident then they can win but Ausi aggression & never say die attitude will make it really tough. It would be a series to look forward to.

Daniel
on January 7, 2014, 7:37 GMT

Gee the amount of times the Aussie camp has made a statement about being the 'best bowling attack in the world' is just plain staggering. Lest they forget that prior to their Ashes triumph, they lost 9 Test matches on the trot, with fast bowler after fast bowler breaking down. Now, after defeating a sub-par England outfit, that good-old Aussie bravado and tall poppy syndrome has come back with a flourish. Vernon Philander and Dale Steyn are ranked no.1 and no.2 in the world respectively, with Morne Morkel ranked no.11. Comparatively, Ryan Harris is no.3, Peter Siddle is no.6 and Mitchell Johnson is no.8 - that's excellent too but not as good, and certainly not as consistent as the South African's have been over a long period. Confidence is one thing, arrogance is another - the two should not be blurred, but unfortunately it tends to breed and manifest within Aussie cricket easily. The previous great Aussie team of the late 90's/00's could boast both qualities, this team should not yet.

James
on January 7, 2014, 7:33 GMT

Steyn will now be fired up. Stripped from the no.1 title, now many arguing that Australia's is the best attack in the world. The saffas won't be as complacent as the Poms. They already have tapes on Johnson and the bowlers will no doubt be working extra hard to keep their spot as the best attack in the world so it's not going to be easy for our boys.

Md
on January 7, 2014, 7:33 GMT

South Africans are waiting for you Mr. Siddel.

Jared
on January 7, 2014, 7:32 GMT

They've talked themselves up for the South Africa tour. Going into to this Ashes it was England talking up their chances, and Australia were quiet. Will Australia be able continue their form and back up their big mouths?

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 7:29 GMT

ENJOY FOR NOW....south africa is waiting :0

Dylan
on January 7, 2014, 7:27 GMT

Home conditions, favoring the seamers somewhat against a limp English batting line-up. Any half decent attack can dominate a series when they are on top of their game. One of the best? There's no doubt. The best? Consistency will determine whether they truly are.

Andre
on January 7, 2014, 7:26 GMT

The world's best? I think the ICC rankings will disagree with you. I know a team with 2 bowlers with scores over 900 and another bowler at #12. Rolling over a demoralized England team does not make you the world's best. We'll see who's the world's best is in Feb. Australia's best weapon has always been their "mental disintegration" of the opposition in the media. I see it has already started.

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 7:25 GMT

This is interesting how thoughts and feelings change in matter of months. An attack which was criticised for being impotent and toothless a few months back has suddenly become the world's best.

SA would have to say something similar on their home grounds as well. Will be one hell of a feast to see them against each other.

All talk. So is the Indian attack in India. If they are so good they would not have lost so many test matches in 2013. Fact of the matter is that they are good in Australia. But then, which decent team does not have an attack that suits its conditions? They were thumped when they were in India hardly 6 months back - this very same attack. Lyon? Good Spinner? Forget about Ajmal, he is not even half as good as Ashwin and Ashwin is junk outside of his home conditions. Basically Lyon does not even try to spin the ball. His only intention is to get uneven bounce and wait for the batsman to make a mistake.

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 7:17 GMT

Dont over react sid. U guys prove against SAF. Then only you can taste this victory too. Otherwise, this victory is nothing but beating a dead snake.

No featured comments at the moment.

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 7:17 GMT

Dont over react sid. U guys prove against SAF. Then only you can taste this victory too. Otherwise, this victory is nothing but beating a dead snake.

Kiran
on January 7, 2014, 7:18 GMT

All talk. So is the Indian attack in India. If they are so good they would not have lost so many test matches in 2013. Fact of the matter is that they are good in Australia. But then, which decent team does not have an attack that suits its conditions? They were thumped when they were in India hardly 6 months back - this very same attack. Lyon? Good Spinner? Forget about Ajmal, he is not even half as good as Ashwin and Ashwin is junk outside of his home conditions. Basically Lyon does not even try to spin the ball. His only intention is to get uneven bounce and wait for the batsman to make a mistake.

This is interesting how thoughts and feelings change in matter of months. An attack which was criticised for being impotent and toothless a few months back has suddenly become the world's best.

SA would have to say something similar on their home grounds as well. Will be one hell of a feast to see them against each other.

Andre
on January 7, 2014, 7:26 GMT

The world's best? I think the ICC rankings will disagree with you. I know a team with 2 bowlers with scores over 900 and another bowler at #12. Rolling over a demoralized England team does not make you the world's best. We'll see who's the world's best is in Feb. Australia's best weapon has always been their "mental disintegration" of the opposition in the media. I see it has already started.

Dylan
on January 7, 2014, 7:27 GMT

Home conditions, favoring the seamers somewhat against a limp English batting line-up. Any half decent attack can dominate a series when they are on top of their game. One of the best? There's no doubt. The best? Consistency will determine whether they truly are.

Dummy4
on January 7, 2014, 7:29 GMT

ENJOY FOR NOW....south africa is waiting :0

Jared
on January 7, 2014, 7:32 GMT

They've talked themselves up for the South Africa tour. Going into to this Ashes it was England talking up their chances, and Australia were quiet. Will Australia be able continue their form and back up their big mouths?

Md
on January 7, 2014, 7:33 GMT

South Africans are waiting for you Mr. Siddel.

James
on January 7, 2014, 7:33 GMT

Steyn will now be fired up. Stripped from the no.1 title, now many arguing that Australia's is the best attack in the world. The saffas won't be as complacent as the Poms. They already have tapes on Johnson and the bowlers will no doubt be working extra hard to keep their spot as the best attack in the world so it's not going to be easy for our boys.

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